ABBOTTABAD:
An inquiry into the alleged embezzlement of funds for the repair of Ayubia Chairlift project and allotment of shops in Nathiagali was ordered on Tuesday.
The probe order was issued by the Hazara Commissioner, Khalid Khan Umerzai, while taking exception to the public complaints about the alleged corruption in the Rs9 million chairlift repair project and illegal allotment of plots and kiosks in Nathiagali bazaar.
He was chairing a high level meeting of the heads of district and local government departments, including Galyat Development Authority, Frontier Highway Authority, Forest, Wapda, road communication and revenue. District Coordination Officer (DCO) Zaheerul Islam and District Police Officer (DPO) Karim Khan were also present on the occasion.
He also took notice of the collection of outstanding lease amount from the lessees and unchecked encroachments that have narrowed the road, creating trouble for the picnickers and tourists.
The commissioner also questioned the performance of the forest department, which has failed to check illegal logging, threats to the environment because of the unavailability of public latrines for tourists, horse dung accumulation and car parking problem.
He also ordered immediate steps for the provision of water to the residents of Changla Gali and Murree, besides the installation of new streetlights in Nathiagali.
The commissioner also directed DCO Islam to resolve the dispute over outstanding electricity bills between Wapda and GDA and submit a complete report to him within a couple of days.
The GDA’s representative attributed the encroachment and delays in collecting rent from shopkeepers to shortage of staff.
The commissioner assured the GDA of taking up the staff shortage problem with the provincial government.
He also directed the participants to ensure maximum facilities to tourists coming to Nathiagali, Ayubia and other picnic spots in the Galyat area.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2011.
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