ISLAMABAD – The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council(ECNEC) has approved Rs 37.9 billion worth Pak-China Optical Fibre Cable(OFC) Project Phase II.
According to a report by Gwadar Pro, the project will pave the way forestablishment of Cross-Border OFC network (Khunjerab-Karachi) along ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) routes.
The project will provide alternate path for international connectivitythrough Northern Border of Pakistan with China and would transform Pakistanas a Digital Gateway of regional connectivity. The COVID-19 response andother Natural Calamities Control Program was approved by the ECNEC at thecost of Rs 70 billion as federal share.
The project includes National Health upgradation program, National programfor Water and Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), COVID-19 interventions forless developed areas.
The ECNEC also approved the Project for “Dualization and Improvement of OldBannu Road” at the total cost of Rs 17,230 million from federal PublicSector Development Programme (2020-21).
The project envisages dualization of existing 02-lane old Bannu roadmeasuring 83 km in length from Gaandi Chowk to Sarai Naurang (8km) andDomail to Krapa on N-55 (75-kilometre) to 4 lanes, with 7.3 metres widecarriageway on either side. The scope of work also includes extension ofexisting culverts & bridges, construction of retaining walls along withdrainage / erosion works and allied facilities. NHA shall execute theproject.
ECNEC considered and approved a summary regarding construction ofGwadar-Ratodero Road Project (M-8) sponsored by the Ministry ofCommunication and executed by National Highway Authority (NHA) at arationalized cost of Rs 38,026.28 million.
It also approved the project in view of its strategic importance as itwill facilitate connectivity for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)projects through improved road linkages. A summary was presented beforeECNEC regarding provision of Advanced Skills Development throughInternational Scholarship Phase-1 for Master and Doctor of Philosophy(PhD) programs to be executed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Similarly, a project titled ‘Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency Project(SWEEP)’ was presented before the Committee sponsored by the Localgovernment, Housing and Town Planning Department, Government of Sindh withtotal cost of Rs 16,800 million including International Bank forReconstruction and Development-World Bank loan of Rs 16,000 million.
News Source: nation.com.pk