Government Can Save Billions in Construction Costs, Study Reveals

PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can save up to five billion rupees per year in construction costs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged areas, a recent research study has revealed. The study, done with help from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), suggests establishing field testing labs at the district level and a real-time monitoring system for the timely resolution of challenges.

The findings were shared at a dissemination event held in Peshawar where a report was launched on the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Special Emphasis Programme (SEP) “The Road to Better Service Delivery in Merged Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Improving Infrastructure Development.”

“Field testing labs at the district level will offer a cost-effective, timesaving and context-specific solution to accelerate development in Merged Areas (MA) whereas the real-time performance management system will help identify and resolve administrative and technical challenges immediately,” said Ms. Raluca Eddon, Programme Manager, UNDP Pakistan’s Merged Areas Governance Programme.

The intervention was piloted in districts Orakzai, Kurram and Khyber in August 2021 as part of the KP government’s Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP), designed specifically to augment the development of the economy of the merged areas. A total of 64 projects were monitored as part of the intervention. The results show a possible saving of more than five billion rupees per annum only if the SEP is applied at the district level.

Elaborating on the significance of SEP, KP Communication & Works (C&W) Department Chief Engineer Mr. Muhammad Uzair said, “The unique and diverse geographical terrain of MA requires an innovative approach towards infrastructure development. The SEP offers an insight to make it quicker and cost-effective.” He appreciated the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Communication and Works (C&W) department for building durable roads and pathways that improve people’s everyday commute.

Infrastructure development is one of the key sectors the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is focusing through a rather inclusive AIP-II that carries the public’s input and suggestions. The C&W department is currently considering the SEP study findings to improve the speed and cost-effectiveness of construction projects that will create short-term employment and promote economic growth in the region.