BA opposition raises concerns over delay in uplift schemes’ completion

QUETTA: Opposition members of the Balochistan Assembly (BA) have expressed concerns over non-completion of development schemes in the province.

They warned that if the schemes were not completed on time, allocated funds would lapse or be surrendered. Provincial ministers assured that priority would be given to completing the unfinished schemes.

During the BA session on Friday, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Asghar Ali Tareen, said that hundreds of schemes and schools remain incomplete in his constituency. With June approaching, there is a risk that the funds will lapse once again.

Provincial Minister for Communications and Works Mir Saleem Khosa assured the House that 1,213 schemes had been delayed due to non-revision of scheduled rates. The chief minister directed the C&W (Communications and Works) and P&D (Planning and Development) departments to resolve the issue within a week. The goal is to align all schemes with the 2023 schedule and obtain cabinet approval.

Dr Abdul Malik Baloch stressed the need to complete incomplete schemes on a priority basis and urged the phased construction of more than 3,000 shelterless schools. He also pointed out that the BRC Turbat schemes are still incomplete. In response, Provincial Minister Mir Saleem Khosa stated that schemes with over 60pc of work completed would be prioritised.

Provincial Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi stressed that the remaining schemes would be completed and pledged to put the province’s development back on the right track.