The Monitoring and Evaluation Cell (MEC) of the Planning and Development Department has issued its evaluations of the Govt of Sindh's infrastructure, health, education and irrigation projects.
Nukta
Education projects show critical infrastructure gaps in rural schools
Health department recorded highest failure rate with 66% of schemes deemed inadequate
Report recommends adopting Project Management Institute standards for future projects
The Sindh government has found 165 development projects under its Annual Development Program (ADP) for 2023-24 to be unsatisfactory due to poor planning, delays, and substandard execution.
The Monitoring and Evaluation Cell (MEC) of the Planning and Development Department issued its latest report highlighting inefficiencies in various sectors, including education, health, irrigation, and public infrastructure. The report states that over the last five financial years, more than 40% of allocated funds—amounting to PKR 529 billion—remained unutilized.
The analysis shows that while the number of total development schemes increased from 2,705 in 2019-20 to 5,256 in 2023-24, only PKR 774.1 billion out of PKR 1,303.2 billion allocated for these projects was utilized.
Widespread deficiencies in project execution
Of the 5,256 development schemes in 2023-24, MEC monitored 486 projects. While 321 (66%) were deemed satisfactory, 165 (34%) were categorized as unsatisfactory.
The key reasons cited include inadequate planning, execution flaws, site changes, compromised construction quality, and poor supervision.
Ten government departments accounted for 82.5% of the monitored projects.
Education sector under scrutiny
The Education and Literacy Department had 54 schemes monitored, with 21 (39%) flagged as unsatisfactory. Notable projects deemed inadequate include:
- Quaid-e-Awam University campus in Larkana (PKR 2.6 billion)
- Sufism & Modern Sciences University in Bhit Shah (PKR 1 billion)
- Public Schools project in Sindh (PKR 2.1 billion)
The report highlights critical infrastructure gaps in rural schools, such as a lack of drinking water, sanitation, and boundary walls. Poor coordination between agencies and contractors further hindered project progress.
Health projects plagued by inefficiencies
The Health Department had 32 schemes monitored, with 21 (66%) deemed unsatisfactory. Major failed projects include:
- Upgrading THQ hospitals to DHQ level in Matiari, Kamber, and Umerkot (PKR 2.4 billion)
- Revamping 39 THQ hospitals across Sindh (PKR 3.3 billion)
The report pointed out structural weaknesses, poor budget allocation, and missing "Not-for-Sale" stamps on government-procured medicines.
Irrigation and infrastructure flaws
Out of the 12 monitored irrigation schemes, 50% were deemed unsatisfactory due to poor workmanship, inadequate supervision, and deviations from approved plans. Key findings include:
- Weak canal bank strengthening, leading to potential erosion
- Faulty drainage systems with non-functional pumps due to lack of power supply
- Poorly constructed stone pitching, increasing water seepage risks
Similar concerns were raised about public infrastructure projects, where 34 out of 90 Local Government schemes (38%) and 29 out of 69 Public Health Engineering projects (42%) were found unsatisfactory.
Need for better project management
The MEC report calls for improved planning, stricter quality control, and better oversight in future projects. It recommends adopting Project Management Institute (PMI) standards to ensure sustainable development and reduce inefficiencies.
The Sindh government has yet to announce measures to address the shortcomings identified in the report.
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