ISLAMABAD: Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Wednesday approved five projects worth Rs 141.93 billion and referred two projects worth Rs. 140.96 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further approval. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and the Federal Minister for Planning Development and Reform, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtyar. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary Planning Commission Zafar Hasan, members and senior officials from federal and provincial governments. The projects presented for approval were related to agriculture and food, physical planning and housing, energy, transport and communications, health, information technology, science and technology sectors. In addition, two position papers were presented in the meeting as well. In agriculture and food section, the project titled ‘Up-gradation of Arid Zone Research Centre (AZRC) and Establishment of New Adaptive Research cum Demonstration Institute’ worth Rs. 691.564 million was approved by the CDWP. The project would focus on poverty alleviation through introduction of improved agricultural technologies in the rehabilitant environment of the project areas. The research centres would also strengthen the linkages with provincial and international research organisations. In physical planning and housing sector, CDWP referred the project of Lahore Water and Wastewater Management Project worth Rs. 67503.625 million to ECNEC. The project envisages hiring of consultants through Project Preparation Special Fund (PSF) to carry out its activities of development, operation and management of water / wastewater treatment infrastructure/ facilities. In energy sector, the project of 220 kV Head Faqirian Substation along with 220 kV Double Circuit Transmission Lines from Head Faqirian to Ludewala was also forwarded to ECNEC for approval. The project, worth Rs 5504.87 million, aims to improve power supply system including reliability and uninterrupted power supply. In transport and communication section, CDWP referred the project of Peshawar Sustainable Bus Rapid Transit Corridor worth Rs 6795.3 million rupees to ECNEC which aims at high quality mass transit that will trigger urban development, activities and density along the BRT corridor improving economic growth besides giving access into the city. In health sector, the project Strengthening, Monitoring and Surveillance of Health Systems was authorised for approval by the CDWP. The project, worth Rs 157.790 million, aims to improve access to the healthcare services by providing facilities at door step. Published in Daily Times, October 18th 2018.