Senate body for expediting development work on I-16
By Asghar Ali Mubarak

ISLAMABAD—The Sub-Committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Government Assurances which met at the Parliament House under the Chairmanship of Senator Ch Muhammad Anwar Bhinder has directed the CDA, Iesco and Sui gas department to re-double their efforts for carrying out speedy development work in Sector I-16 with a view to ensure completion of all development works of the sector at the earliest.
It was observed that the pace of development in the sector remained very slow and desired results could not be achieved within the stipulated period despite the fact that CDA is receiving all possible cooperation from the relevant agencies/departments. There was a general impression that delays in the developmental works result in escalation of the project’s cost. “The sooner we finish it, the better it will be” opined the Chairman of the committee, Senator Ch. Muhammad Anwar Bhinder.
The committee made these observations while having briefings from CDA, Iesco and Sui Gas authorities regarding the present status of development work in the sector. The committee was told that the work for construction of major and service roads (East and West) has already been completed whereas the contracts for construction of service roads (North and South) and vehicular roads in sector I-16/3 and 4 have been awarded with a completion period of one year.
It was further told that the execution of work on the service roads (North and South) has been suspended, for the time being, due to non-possession of land. The committee directed the enforcement authorities to visit the area and ensure possession of land so that the laying of pipelines for provision of Sui gas could also be undertaken simultaneously.
It was decided that the entire sub-committee would pay a visit to the sector to have an on the spot progress on the developmental activities being undertaken by CDA and other allied agencies.
Regarding the provision of electricity in sector I/16, the Committee was told that the site for the grid station has been earmarked and that the Iesco would start the work as soon as the CDA releases funds. The committee directed the CDA to ensure that 50% amount, as demanded by Iesco be released within a couple of days whereas the remaining amount be provided within the next two months.
The meeting was attended, besides chairman of the sub-committee Senator Ch Muhammad Anwar Bhinder, by Senators Liaquat Ali Bangulzai and Prof Sajid Mir. Senior functionaries of the Ministry of Interior, CDA, Iesco, Sui gas department etc. were also present.