ISLAMABAD: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) will prepare a joint action plan with defined timelines for the Punjab Transmission Line and Grid Station Project, according to sources.
The plan emerged from a recent meeting in the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) aimed at reviewing the progress of Japan-supported development projects. JICA raised concerns over delays in procuring items for NTDC warehouses, critical for flood relief and replenished through a JPY 300 million undisbursed loan.
It was agreed that NTDC and JICA would meet to finalize the action plan by October 31, 2024, coordinating with EAD and the Ministry of Energy to expedite procurement. Additionally, NTDC’s request for a loan extension until March 2026 will be discussed based on the outcomes of the action plan.
In parallel, discussions on the Islamabad-Burhan Transmission Line Project emphasized the need for early approval of the revised PC-1 by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), with NTDC preparing responses to observations raised by the forum. Another project reviewed involved enhancing maternal and child health facilities at PIMS, with an action plan due for approval, including the creation of 395 posts and transfer to the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
For flood-affected maternal and child healthcare in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Health Department is to secure Finance Department approval for its PC-1 by October 31, 2024, aligning with Japan’s project timelines.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
