Punjab to launch work on ongoing schemes next fiscal year.

RAWALPINDI -- After spread of coronavirus in the country, Punjab government withdrew all funds for development work and is likely to begin work on ongoing schemes, in the fiscal year 2020-21.

Talking to Dawn, a senior official from the district administration said: 'Due to the lockdown, work in development schemes stopped and the government diverted development funds towards the health sector for provision of health facilities to Covid-19 patients and screening of suspected patients. After the ban on restrictions in the construction sector was lifted, work was supposed to start. But funds are not available so it will be started in the next fiscal year.'

Work on mega projects has resumed but still in the paperwork phase, he said, adding there was a need to start development work in the district to produce employment for daily-wagers and labourers.

Punjab government announced to launch two mega projects - Leh Expressway and Ring Road. However, since the past two years, work on both projects is still in the paperwork phase.

A senior official from the district administration told Dawn that in 2018 the PML-N provincial government had approved 164 development schemes for Rawalpindi amounting to Rs5.5 billion. Out of those, 33 schemes were completed, 112 are ongoing and 19 schemes are yet to be launched.

'The government launched work on 25 more schemes worth Rs94 million which is expected be completed in the next fiscal year...