Latest news with #development


Times of Oman
3 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Al Dakhiliyah Governorate continues to invest in several development projects
Nizwa: The Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah is heading towards the comprehensive development at consistent pace established on the Royal Vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, who set the foundations of Oman Vision 2040. The Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah is investing its budget for all the Wilayats of the Governorate. Sheikh Hilal bin Said Al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah said that the governorate is currently executing 68 development projects at the cost of OMR44.7 million to boost sustainable development in the governorate , coupled with award of 10 new development projects at the cost of OMR5.2 million as part of the strategy of the governorate targeting development of the infrastructure and improvement of the services offered for citizens. He said that the governorate received 40 projects during the past period at a cost of OMR16.3 million which would contribute to enhancement of the economic and social development in the local community. The total spending from the amount allocated for the programme of the governorates' development during the period from 2022 to 2025 stood at OMR12.68 million which represented 70% of the total budget allocated for this programme, he said adding that the governorate would continue to execute the projects associated with the programme. He said that the governorate enjoys supportive basic structure including modern road network, several cultural centres, museums, public libraries and human capital. He said that the award of works to SMEs amounted to OMR1.2 million in 2023, representing 9% of the total award which percentage increased to 51% from December 2024 to February 2025. He said that the governorate currently executes internal road projects for a total length of 203 kilometres at the cost of over OMR16. 2 million. The governorate saw construction of roads of 245.5 kilometres at the cost of OMR19.6 million for the period 2022 -2024. He said that the number of investment projects increased from 8 in 2022 to 53 projects in 2025, an increase of 562.5%.


Arab News
3 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
PM Sharif announces 25% federal development share for insurgency-hit Balochistan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan's restive southwestern province of Balochistan will receive 25% share from the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) in the upcoming budget, as the government continues to grapple with a decades-long separatist insurgency that has surged in recent years. Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least populated province, is strategically significant as the centerpiece of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major infrastructure development and regional connectivity initiative linking western China to the Arabian Sea. While the state touts CPEC as a game-changer for the region's development, Baloch separatist groups accuse the government of exploiting the province's vast mineral resources without benefiting the local population. Officials reject the narrative, pointing to ongoing investments in various sectors aimed at improving livelihoods. Sharif announced the allocation while addressing a grand jirga, an assembly of provincial elders and influential figures alongside top military leadership, in Quetta, where he reaffirmed the government's commitment to Balochistan's development. 'I think that PSDP will be of Rs1,000 billion [in the next budget],' he told the gathering. 'So, out of this [amount], a fund of approximately Rs250 billion is for Balochistan alone. That is, 25% of the total federal PSDP for Balochistan.' The PSDP is Pakistan's central development program used to fund infrastructure, energy, education and other long-term public investment projects across the country. It includes both federal initiatives and financial support for provincial projects, particularly in underdeveloped regions like Balochistan. The prime minister said the allocation was the province's 'right.' 'Along with this,' he continued, 'these resources should be used transparently, whether it is Gwadar, whether it is Pasni, whether it is Chaman, whether it is Killa Saifullah, whether it is Quetta, whether it is Jhal Magsi or any other areas,' he continued. 'Every single penny there should be used honestly for the development and prosperity of the people.' Addressing the challenge of militancy in the province, Sharif said efforts must continue to bring back 'misguided' individuals who had joined militant groups. He acknowledged Balochistan's history of economic deprivation, while reiterating that those engaged in violence offer no solutions. 'Terrorists do not know anything but brutality,' he said. Calling for national unity, Sharif maintained: 'Let's sit together and talk. It is only by sitting together that a family becomes strong and prosperous. No evil eye can harm a united household.'


South China Morning Post
6 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's John Lee meets new liaison office chief, vows to pursue fresh growth
Hong Kong's leader has pledged to identify fresh areas for economic growth as he expressed confidence in working with the newly appointed director of Beijing's liaison office to speed up the city's development. Advertisement Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the remarks as he met office director Zhou Ji at Government House on Saturday. They exchanged views on the city's challenges and opportunities and discussed ways to promote its long-term prosperity and stability. The State Council, China's cabinet, announced late on Friday it had appointed Zhou, the executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), to lead the central government's liaison office, replacing Zheng Yanxiong. Lee said in the meeting the government would focus on creating new pathways for development as the city was undergoing an economic transformation, according to an official statement. 'Hong Kong is currently undergoing an economic transformation, and ... the government will uphold fundamental principles while breaking new ground, endeavour to take forward reforms and continue to lead all sectors of Hong Kong society to embrace changes and strive for innovation, actively exploring new areas of development and growth.' Liaison office chief Zhou Ji (second left) with city leader John Lee (second right). Also attending the meeting was the director of the Chief Executive's Office, Carol Yip Man-kuen (right). Photo: ISD He also expressed confidence in working with Zhou on aligning the city with national strategies, implementing the governing principles of 'one country, two systems' and 'the people of Hong Kong administering Hong Kong' with a high degree of autonomy, while safeguarding constitutional order.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Greenwich streets where homes are growing and trees are going
The latest wave of planning applications in the borough reveals a mix of residential upgrades and impactful tree works. Homeowners in Plumstead are at the forefront of residential improvements, applying for loft conversions with rear dormers at 16 Eastview Avenue (ref: 25/1662/CP), and 58 St Margarets Terrace (ref: 25/1589/CP). Meanwhile, 41 High Grove has applied for both a rear extension and a loft conversion under separate prior approval and certificate routes (refs: 25/1614/PN1 and 25/1613/CP). In a shift reflecting changing high street patterns, an estate agency unit at Blackheath Hill is seeking Prior Approval for conversion from commercial use to a single flat (ref: 25/1637/PN2). The Greenwich Peninsula, a hub of long-term growth, continues to see major post-approval activity. A comprehensive list of condition discharge applications was submitted this week, concerning water infrastructure (ref: 25/1498/SD), highways (ref: 25/1492/SD), and various other elements. These applications relate to plots around the O2 and Lower Riverside areas, indicating the ongoing development of this transformative district. Meanwhile, modest household improvements are also in the pipeline. A conservatory replacement is planned at 6 Kinveachy Gardens, Charlton (ref: 25/1603/CP), and a chimney removal paired with a new extension at 6 Rainham Close, Avery Hill (ref: 25/1588/CP). At Franklyn James Estate Agents, a full change of use from commercial to residential is proposed (ref: 25/1637/PN2), reflecting borough-wide adaptive reuse trends. Greenwich is also seeing a flurry of tree works across conservation areas. This includes a routine crown reduction of an elder tree at 64A Hyde Vale, SE10 (ref: 25/1669/TC), and the felling of a Leyland cypress deemed too close to the building at 59 Ashburnham Grove, SE10 (ref: 25/1658/TC). Elsewhere, six elder trees and a hawthorn are set to be removed from land fronting Well Hall Road in Eltham (ref: 25/1608/TC), while fig and lime trees are also marked for attention at various SE10 addresses. This latest planning round-up demonstrates a borough quietly upgrading behind the scenes, with changes being implemented leaf by leaf and brick by brick.


CTV News
17 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Update on Beachwoods development in Colwood
Vancouver Watch Colwood's Beachlands development in Royal Bay is putting the final touches on a showpiece for the community.