ECNEC okays 28 more uplift projects

The government on Wednesday endorsed 28 development projects in what is seen as an aggressive approval process ahead of the general elections.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic (ECNEC), the government's highest economic policy-making body, okayed the projects at an aggregate cost of Tk 302.34 billion in its meeting presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The approval comes only days after ECNEC approved 39 development projects. The ECNEC had met last Sunday.

Among the projects, the ECNEC endorsed six projects of the local government division (LGD), four of the education ministry and two of the home affairs ministry.

It approved the rural infrastructure development in greater Noakhali project (revised) involving Tk 7.40 billion and Tk 6.23 billion rural infrastructure development project in greater Rajshahi (revised) of the Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED).

Sanitation system (phase-1) in Chattogram city at Tk 38.08 billion, solid waste management in Narayanganj City Corporation at Tk 3.46 billion, canal excavation from Boddarhat to Karnaphuli channel in Chattogram at Tk 12.56 billion, and supply of drinking water and development of sanitation system for the tea-workers at Tk 621.4 million of different agencies under the LGD were among the projects endorsed by the ECNEC.

The ECNEC approved a large World Bank-funded project titled "Development of livestock and dairy" worth Tk 42.80 billion.

After the meeting, planning minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said the committee approved 28 projects where Tk 302.34 billion funds will be required.

Out of the funds, Tk 248.54 billion will come from the government's own exchequer, Tk 5.39 billion from the executing agencies' own fund and the remaining Tk 48.41 billion from the external sources as project aid.

Cabinet and Planning Commission members and higher officials of the ministries were present at the meeting.

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