Vermin in Parliament lodges, state of ACs draw heat

Senators turn on CDA over state of facilities in Parliament Lodges

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules and Privileges strongly criticised the Capital Development Authority (CDA) over the condition of facilities at Parliament Lodges, along with its teeming vermin population.

The Tuesday meeting at Parliament House was chaired by Dr Jehanzeb Jamaldini on BNP-M.

Senator Jamaldini emphasised strengthening security at the lodges and directed the CDA to take measures to resolve problems at the lodges.

The parliamentarians said the CDA obtained large sums in the fiscal budget for beautification, security, and repair and maintenance of the lodges, but on the ground, the situation was awful.

They called for further reinforcement of security around the lodges. “There is also a need for repairs and maintenance,” senators said, while elaborating that air conditions were old and electrical wiring was faulty, causing lighting to go offline.

There were also some giggles after Dr Jamaldini pointed out that there were a large number of mice and rats hanging around the top floors and directed the CDA to exterminate them.

He said the CDA should resolve written complaints from MPs living in the lodges within two months.

The Committee also closed discussion on washrooms at the Parliament Lodges mosque after a report submitted by the CDA said repairs would be completed within five days.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2016.