ECNEC greenlights ‘Flood Response Emergency Housing Project’

ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has given the green light to the “Flood Response Emergency Housing Project (Phase-I).”

The decision was reached during an ECNEC meeting held in Islamabad on Wednesday, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. The project, funded by a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aims to assist flood-affected communities in Sindh through the community-led reconstruction of over 250,000 flood-resilient homes.

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In addition, the committee approved the upgrade of Pakistan Railways’ main Line-1 (ML-1) with a revised scope, prioritising the 929 km stretch from Karachi to Multan in Phase I.

Four water sector projects also received ECNEC’s nod, including the revised construction of the Dadhocha Dam by the Government of Punjab. This project is set to address water shortages in Rawalpindi by supplying 35 million gallons per day (MGD). The other approved water sector projects moving towards completion are the Gomal Zam Multipurpose Project, the Raising of Mangla Dam Project, and the Golen Gol Hydropower Project.

The “Development of Integrated Transit Trade Management System” was another significant approval. This initiative will see the construction of modern Border Crossing Points at Torkham, Chaman, and Wahga, the establishment of a Land Port Authority, and the implementation of digital end-to-end tracking of containerised cargo.

The committee also extended the implementation period of the “Karachi Neighbourhood Improvement Project (KNIP)” by six months, now set to be completed by December 31, 2024.

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This project aims to improve the accessibility, usability, and attractiveness of public spaces in selected neighbourhoods of Karachi, including roads, streets, parks, open spaces, and public buildings.

Additionally, ECNEC approved the construction of a Border Terminal at the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border in Badini and the upgrade of a 40-kilometre road from Murgha Faqirzai to Khan Dagar Main Badini Road in Saifullah district.