OGDC directed to initiate independent development schemes

NA body asks the company to avoid duplication of expenditures.

ISLAMABAD:

A parliamentary panel on Friday directed the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) to initiate independent development schemes in Sindh to avoid duplication of the amount.

A meeting of the National Assembly (NA) sub-committee on petroleum and natural resources discussed development and welfare schemes carried out by the oil and gas producing companies in the province.

During the meeting officials of the OGDCL told the committee that the company disbursed Rs320 million for infrastructure development in different areas of Sindh. Officials told that Rs100 million were spent to establish disaster centre in Mirpur Mathelo while Rs465 million spent for a petroleum training centre to award technical training.

Officials informed that for the fiscal year 2012-13, Rs7 million will be spent to provide free medical facilities to the people of Tando Adam, Bobi Kunar, Qadirpur and other areas. They told that Rs880 million will be utilised for different projects of gas supply to different areas.

Officials said that in several areas of the province, projects for education and health were initiated in collaboration with the government. The standing committee directed the managing director of the OGDCL to continue the projects separately as it would be helpful to avoid double-counting of funds.

The committee also expressed its concerns over the installation of air-conditioners in the Tando Adam Khel medical complex and directed the officials to provide generators in remote areas rather than ACs. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2012.