Dhaka: Take dev projects thru standard feasibility studies, analyzing opinions: IMED. The Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under the Ministry of Planning has recommended for undertaking development projects through conducting more standard feasibility studies and analyzing received opinions from the concerned stakeholders to yield better outcomes.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the IMED also suggested enhancing the capacity of the project implementation agencies in making the Development Project Proforma (DPP) to overcome the weaknesses in framing development schemes. In such cases, the IMED advocated for keeping allocations in the revenue sector to frame designs and DPPs of the projects.
The IMED presented several observations and recommendations in its progress report on the implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held earlier this month. Previously, on March 3, the NEC approved a Taka 2,16,000 crore Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP) for the current fiscal year (FY25), prioritizing the transport and communications sector.
The original ADP outlay for the current fiscal year was Taka 2,65,000 crore, and the RADP allocation saw a decrease of Taka 49,000 crore or 18.49 percent of the allocation. Commenting on the planning process post-NEC meeting, Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud emphasized the need to accelerate the RADP implementation pace.
He noted that while the National Portal for Electronic Project Management Information System (e-PIMS) provides insights into the actual progress of projects, not all project authorities have uploaded their project-related information. He suggested mandating this step before receiving funds from the Ministry of Finance.
Discussing the ADP’s implementation rate during the July-January period of the current fiscal year (FY25), Dr. Mahmud revealed it was nearly 22 percent, specifically 21.52 percent, compared to an average 30 percent utilization rate during the same period in previous fiscal years. He urged the concerned ministries, divisions, and implementing agencies to strive to enhance the implementation rate further.
Among its recommendations, the IMED stressed that consulting firms should assess the framed designs using their own experts or institutions like engineering universities, as designs for physical projects like roads, bridges, and railways often change. It called for boosting the engineering firms’ capacity to frame designs.
The IMED identified issues like delays in land acquisition, utility transfer, and resettlement, as well as complications from illegal structure evictions, which hinder project implementation. It recommended strict monitoring and improved coordination with Deputy Commissioners at the district level. Additionally, a time-bound action plan for land acquisition should be included in the DPP with the Deputy Commissioners’ consent.
The IMED’s report stated that projects should align with the Mid Term Budgetary Framework (MTBF) financial ceiling to avoid complications. It emphasized that implementing agencies must ensure contracting firms complete work packages with quality and within the stipulated timeframe.
To ensure proper project implementation and quality standards, the IMED suggested that project directors oversee only one project and remain on-site round the clock. It also proposed rewarding directors for good performance and holding them accountable for failures.
The report encouraged using ‘Work Break Down Structure’ and ‘Critical Path Method’ to detail each package’s work under projects, ensuring their implementation as per the DPP/TAPP and procurement plan. It highlighted the need for specific information on projects’ contributions to government plan targets in monitoring and evaluation.
The IMED emphasized ensuring the service life of infrastructures and machinery and their maintenance under projects. It advocated for a detailed design with an ‘exit plan’ at the project formulation stage for desired outcomes.
It also recommended mandatory use of the National Portal for Electronic Project Management Information System (e-PMIS) by executing agencies to provide inputs on financial and real progress of projects. Out of the 1437 projects in the RADP for FY25, 1212 are investment projects, 28 are survey projects, 112 are technical assistance projects, while 85 are from own financing. Additionally, 313 projects are slated for completion within the current fiscal year.