Poor planning, weak project directors slow ADP execution: Khosru

The government has identified 14 factors behind the slow implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP), including flawed project documents, lack of skilled project directors, delays in land acquisition and lengthy procurement processes.

It has taken several measures to address the problems, including improving feasibility studies, expanding e-GP use, appointing project directors based on skills and experience, and strengthening field-level monitoring.

Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury disclosed the information in reply to a question from reserved women's seat lawmaker Rokeya Begum during the third session of the 13th parliament today (27 August). Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed chaired the session.

The minister said weak project preparation, poor feasibility studies and inconsistencies in project data were among the major obstacles to timely ADP implementation.

Other factors include delays in land acquisition and utility relocation, repeated extensions of project timelines and costs, lack of proper exit plans and delays in procurement.

The government also identified inadequate use of research findings, weak project monitoring, mismatches between financing plans and budgets, weaknesses in selecting project locations, and poor coordination and division of responsibilities among agencies.

Delays in preparing Development Project Proposals or Technical Assistance Project Proposals after securing funding from development partners were also identified as a problem.

The minister said failure to follow guidelines in appointing project directors and performing their responsibilities, along with weaknesses in results-based planning and evaluation frameworks, were also slowing implementation.

Measures to speed up implementation

The government is working to improve the quality of feasibility studies and project preparation before projects are approved, the minister said.

Use of e-GP in public procurement is being expanded, while coordination among agencies has been strengthened to expedite land acquisition and utility relocation.

For project directors, professional qualifications, skills and practical experience will receive greater priority. The government is also seeking continuity in project leadership where necessary. Regular project review meetings and closer field-level monitoring have also been strengthened.

Projects with less than 30% implementation progress will undergo reviews to assess their relevance and effectiveness. Ministries and divisions have been asked to consider restructuring, changing project scope or continuing such projects based on the reviews.

Dashboards are also being introduced at relevant ministries and divisions to monitor project progress regularly.

The government will review delays, irregularities, cost increases and revisions in projects that fail to meet deadlines and take action against responsible individuals or organisations in accordance with regulations, the minister said.