Sindh Devolved Social Service Programme (SDSSP) initiated in Badin district in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is in jeopardy owing to negligence of the district government. Sources said that only Rs 62 million could be released in 2004-05 as the first instalment out of Rs 170.4 million ADB fund allocated for the programme.
As a result, only 68 percent work on the projects of 77 primary schools could be completed, while the remaining work was in jeopardy as second and third instalments worth Rs 54.6 million and Rs 53.8 million for year 2005-06 and 2006-07 respectively were not released.
Sources said that Rs 108.4 million available with Sindh government for the project were also likely to lapse due to changes in the projects by the district government time and again in violation of MoU. They said that lack of interest by district Nazim and transfers of officials were also one of the major causes of the failure to complete the programme. The non-release of funds has also left seven health centre projects in the district in limbo.