Assessment Of Impediments In National Highway Authority Projects

Abstract

NHA is custodian of the Highway assets of Pakistan’s road network. It core responsibility is to provide a safe, modern and efficient transportation system. As the cornerstone of tomorrow’s Highway network, National Highways function as the backbone of Pakistan’s transportation system, play an important role in the development of micro and macro economy and also enhance the national integration by increasing the social and economic dependence. Since the NHA is the custodian of the Highway assets of Pakistan’s road network, the construction work is being done through local as well as foreign contractors. Therefore, we selected the topic concerning payment to the contractors and consultant. There is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) set by the Finance Wing for making payment to the contractors. While processing claims of the contractors, the SOP is strictly adhered to by the officer concerned. Having exchanged views with various officers of Finance Wing NHA on the problems being faced by the contractors and consultant with respect to their claims, we come to the point that there are certain shortcomings in the SOP which need appropriate rectification/improvement.