Bangladesh project delayed

Delays are now expected on work to upgrade the Dhaka-Chittagong highway to dual carriageway status. This delay has been caused by a dispute with the consultant, the National Engineer Service of Pakistan (Nespak). The firm was contracted to monitor implementation of the project but is now requesting a larger fee to carry out the work. As a result Nespak's contract may well be terminated and a new consultant will have to be hired. The upgrade to the highway is costing US$238.5 million although the size of the consultancy package has not been revealed.