ZCZC
BSS-36
ECNEC-MEETING-2-LAST-DHAKA
The GED member said the Prime Minister asked all concerned to implement development projects within the stipulated timeframe putting an end to the trend of revising projects and cost overrun.
She also directed concerned executing agencies to identify the reasons for which some projects are getting delayed and thus taking necessary measures.
Referring to the approval of the 1st revision of the project titled “Charkhali-Tushkhali-Mothbaria-Patharghata” road development and widening with an additional cost of Taka 44.57 crore, Dr Alam said the Prime Minister sought explanation from the executing agency for the actual reason behind the project cost hike.
The premier reiterated that revision of projects increases cost and such trend should have to be stopped and it could not happen time and again.
She also cautioned that this project would not be extended anymore after the fresh deadline of June 2021.
The GED member said the premier asked the authorities concerned to prepare a ‘master plan’ highlighting the requirements of quality roads in the southern region of the country keeping in mind the growing traffic volume once the Padma Bridge is opened for traffic.
Mentioning that the average traffic load in that region would increase manifold once the Padma Bridge comes into operation, Sheikh Hasina directed for re-shaping and strengthening of roads in that region, saying, “That region will get a new pace once the Padma Bridge is completed.”
The day’s ECNEC meeting also approved a project for improving the civic amenities in Mymensingh City Corporation (MCC) including road development and drainage network with a cost of Taka 1,575.06 crore.
The GED member said the MCC was supposed to provide Taka 157.50 crore from its own fund for the project, but the premier gave directives to bear the entire project cost from the state exchequer.
He also informed that the Prime Minister asked the MCC to implement the project in stipulated timeframe maintaining high quality, not constructing buildings on open fields, not cutting trees, constructing roads and drains maintaining quality and having a good waste management system.
Dr Alam said the meeting also gave nod to the 1st revision of the Agriculture Information Service (AIS) Modernization and Digital Agriculture Information and Communication Strengthening with an additional cost of Taka 41.20 crore.
Referring to the approval of this project, the Prime Minister again sought reasons from the executing agency for the project cost hike and time extension and gave directive for completing the project within the fresh timeframe.
BSS/ASG/GM/GA/1725 hrs