Senate Committee Raises Concern Over Delays in Balochistan Dam Projects

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has voiced serious concerns over the slow progress of dam construction projects in Balochistan. The delays are mainly due to funding challenges and rising construction costs.

The committee, chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, held its meeting at the Parliament House on Monday. During the session, officials from the Planning Department briefed members on the status of 23 ongoing dam projects in the province.

According to the briefing, 18 out of 23 projects are facing delays, and deadlines for 14 of these have already passed. Work on four additional dams has come to a halt due to cost escalations.

The total estimated cost of the dam projects stands at Rs 182.83 billion. So far, Rs50.55 billion has been utilised, reflecting an overall financial progress of only 21.7 per cent.