Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Delay in the execution of development projects has unfortunately become an acceptable norm in our country.
The practice has been costing the national exchequer dearly over the last many years. These delays occur often because of the non-release of funds timely but in some cases, the projects are deliberately held up regardless of the disbursement of funds and that too in excess amounts.
The case in point is the strategically important Gilgit-Shandur road infrastructure project. Work on this project was commenced in May 2022 year and according to the sources, an overpayment of about Rs 2 to Rs 3 billion has also been made to the contractor but one can observe the slow pace of the work. The total cost of the first package of this project is estimated to be around Rs 10 billion.
The sources said there was no reason to make the overpayment to the contractor when the project is being executed at a snail’s pace. The sources were of the view that the contractor needs to be given a warning of cancellation of the contract if the project is not completed within the given timeframe.
Importance of the project
As regards the strategic location of Gilgit-Shandur road, the sources said this will serve as an alternate to the strategic Karakoram Highway besides linking the valleys in the region. Being described as a game-changer project, the road will give a boost to Pakistan’s tourism industry. As a result, the living standards of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will improve. Moreover, travel time between Gilgit and Shandur valley will reduce from 7 hours to 4 hours only. The Project Director was called to get version on the situation but he could not be reached despite repeated attempts.
