Many different projects are undertaken to accomplish a larger development plan within a policy framework for a country. Without the successful execution of these projects, it is implausible that any development plans could be implemented effectively. In Pakistan, intricate machinery for use in development projects exists but its performance has been far from satisfaction level. If one has to write the project history of Pakistan, one will come across numerous examples of projects that have failed due to the inefficient functioning of this machinery. Useless to say these failures have cost the economy billions of rupees, which in a capital-scarce economy like Pakistan, would have made a substantial difference towards economic development.
All development projects run through a cycle which consists of five stages. All five stages are interconnected and each stage has to be successfully achieved before we can move on to the next one. Since the strength of the system depends on the weakest link, it is important that such links be identified and the necessary corrective policy action be taken.
The first weak link exists between sectors of planning and project identification. The second weak link is between project identification or feasibility and formulation. Project implementation which is third and the most crucial stage in the project planning cycle is widely recognised to be the weakest area in the development process.
To improve the current situation there is a real need to create research and training institutions dealing with sector and project analysis. Individual skills need to be upgraded. First, many of the federal, provincial, divisional and district level officials, who deal with the various aspects of the project cycle, have never been trained. Thus, appropriate training or refresher courses are required. Last, but not the least, is the participation of the elected representatives in the project planning processes. There is a need for institutionalising their involvement in the identification and formulation of projects financed from the block allocations.
MUHAMMAD SOHAIB ARSHAD
Lahore