ZCZC
BSS-31
ECNEC-MEETING-2 LAST DHAKA
The day’s ECNEC meeting also cleared the first revision of ‘SASEC Road Connectivity Project-II: Elenga-Hatikamrul-Rangpur Highway Four-Lane Upgradation’ project increasing the cost by Taka 4763.37 crore and extending the timeframe till December 2024 instead of August 2021.
The overall project cost has now increased to Taka 16,662.38 crore from the original outlay of Taka 11,899.01 crore, which was scheduled to be implemented from September 2015 to August 2021.
Talking about the reasons behind the rise in project cost, Mamun-Al-Rashid said the cost has been increased mainly for the land acquisition as the compensation against land value was made three times as per the Acquisition and Requisition of Immovable Property Act, 2017.
The cost against the land acquisition witnessed a rise by Taka 2,253.16 crore and that against the resettlement by Taka 226.70 crore.
Besides, the ECNEC endorsed the 2nd revision of Development of Sonapur (Noakhali)-Sonagazi (Feni)-Zorargonj (Chattogram) Road Project, increasing the cost by Taka 107.09 core and extending the timeframe till June 2021.
The project cost has increased to Taka 293.05 crore from Taka 185.96 crore in the first revised one and Taka 172.65 crore in the original project.
According to the original project, the scheme was supposed to be executed from June 2015 to June 2018.
Mamun-Al-Rashid said the project cost has been raised also mainly for the rise in compensations against land acquisition.
About the Prime Minister’s directives issued in the ECNEC meeting, the Planning Division senior secretary said she asked the authorities concerned to be careful during construction of any road so that the usual water flow does not get hampered.
Describing the water bodies as ‘lifeline,’ the premier said there is a need to save water bodies particularly beels and haors as these protect the underground water level and the balance of nature.
Noting that the legal complexities often cause the delay in implementation of development projects in some cases, she asked the ministries concerned to take prompt measures to dispose of the legal cases related to the projects, if any.
Sheikh Hasina said if any project official is transferred before the completion of project, the new officer should get an orientation over the project so that the project implementation is not hampered.
BSS/ASG/GM/GA/1844 hrs