Senate body directs CDA to remove debris from premises

ISLAMABAD: The meeting of the Senate House Committee was held on Tuesday at the Parliament Lodges. Chaired by Deputy Chairman Senate, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla; the meeting was attended by Senator Samina Saeed, Senator Sardar Shafiq Tareen, Senator Mir Muhammad Yousaf Badini, Senator Kulsoom Parveen, Senator Kauda Babar and senior officers from CDA and CADD.

The meeting commenced with a review of the minutes of the meetings that were held on 8th August and 5th September, 2018. Mandviwalla went through each recommendation seeking its implementation status, said a press release issued here.

The committee had directed CDA for immediate removal of rubble from the premises of Parliament Lodges and its disposal as per rules/policy and submission of a comprehensive report by 10th September, 2018. The Committee was informed that shifting of scrap material to MPO yard has begun and is due to be completed within 4 days. It was further revealed that scrap material shall be disposed off through auction.

Mandviwalla inquired about the status of the Construction of the additional block. The Chairman CDA, Afzal Lateef briefed the Committee about the status of the cleanliness at the lodges and the status of recruitment of Janitorial services on contract. The Committee was informed that the Janitorial contract is yet to be awarded and as directed approval shall be sought before award.

The committee had directed Secretary CADD to ensure availability of ambulance both in Parliament House and Parliament Lodges and submit a compliance report to the Committee by 10th September. Mandviwalla concluded that the issue would have to be discussed with National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Division as the subject matter stands devolved in view of the recent notification by the Cabinet Division pertaining to the winding up of CADD and accordingly directed that the concerned Division be summoned in the next meeting.

Mandviwalla reviewed violation of PPRA rules while formulating contracts with the government. Senator Kulsoom Parveen was of the view that in order to facilitate the process, PPRA rules may be revised after taking CDA on board. In his recommendation in the last two meetings, Mandviwalla had directed the CDA to evaluate the two options shared by NESPAK and take a clear position and brief the Committee by 13th September, 2018. The Committee was informed that the CDA is in the process of evaluating all options to resolve the issues in consultation with the CDA legal wing and the contractor for an early completion of the project.

While discussing the maintenance of Parliament Lodges and approved utilization work plan for the year 2018-19, the Chairman Committee, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla showed concern regarding delay of payments for projects and stated that it was sad to see schemes being stalled due to delay in disbursing funds. —PR