ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Monument opened its doors to visitors once again on Wednesday, when its electricity supply was restored after two weeks of service discontinuation.
The power was restored to the monument when the Capital Development Authority (CDA) cleared the Rs5 million it owed to the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). IESCO Spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said several notices had been served to CDA before they cut the power.
CDA Chairperson Farkhand Iqbal, reacting to the suspension of electricity supply, said IESCO itself was a defaulter and owed CDA Rs2.5 billion.
IESCO, he said, has never paid rent for six grid stations, 37 warehouses and 33,000 electric poles in Islamabad. He added that IESCO had agreed to rent from 2001 onwards.
“If they do not pay rent and cut off CDA’s electricity, we will cut off their water supply,” Iqbal said.
The monument, a popular tourist and picnic spot since it was completed in 2007, consists of four blossoming flower petals, built of granite, representing the unity of Pakistani people. The inner walls of the petals are decorated with murals, which took about 119,000 hours to complete.
The central platform is made in the shape of a five-pointed star, while a metallic crescent is inscribed with Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s quotes and Iqbal’s verses. The monument was built at a cost of over Rs580 million.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2012.
COMMENTS (2)
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Good lesson learned if you want pay to get it, if you don't pay you don't get it free. This kick will start every one right way. Implement all over in Pakistan. And power theft, circular debt all put of your way of progress. Love you all.
“If they do not pay rent and cut off CDA’s electricity, we will cut off their water supply,” Iqbal said.
Thats not how issues are resolved. If they are not paying your due, go to courts