CDA told to expedite construction of family suites

A Senate panel on Wednesday expressed its ire over the delays in constructing new family suites at the Parliament Lodges.

This was stated as the Senate House Committee met in the Parliament House on Wednesday to review matters about the lodges. The committee was chaired by the Deputy Senate Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla.

During the meeting, the committee expressed its grave dismay due to the lack of progress on the project.

Senator Mandviwalla said that it was high time that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) expedited matters on the construction of new suites, ensuring that all necessary paperwork and bureaucratic hiccups are dealt with effectively.

Regarding the construction of 83 additional family suits, the CDA official present was instructed to ensure that all formalities are completed and that the contractor must meet with him every week to discuss the progress made on the project.

On the subject of building and operating a beauty parlour in the lodges, the committee asserted that a letter of intent must be given to the lowest bidder immediately so that it can start operating at the earliest.

Reviewing matters of the provision of necessary funds and delays in releasing money, the finance division adopted the stance that unless all necessary documentation is submitted by the CDA, the matter cannot move forwards.

On the matter of installing new power distribution boxes and transformers by the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), the utility told the committee that it is still waiting for a demand note from the civic authority to proceed.

The issue of unavailability of medical staff and facilities at the Parliament Lodges Clinic was taken-up as well. The committee was assured that medical staff and facilities will be available around the clock.

At this, the committee chairman Senator Mandviwalla directed that random checks must also be conducted by the administration of the Federal Government Hospital (Polyclinic) to ensure all facilities and staff are in place. For this purpose, he directed that the hospital administration and other representatives can meet with members of the panel for necessary feedback.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th, 2020.