The Chief Minister Inspection Team (CMIT)’s punitive action against CDGL officials for violating rules in the construction of roads in Timber Market, Ghosia Park is on tenterhook, causing disappointment among the residents of the areas.
According to sources DCO Ahad Cheema has influenced to restrict the move against the CDGL officials to save his close friend who was involved in the scam. CM Secretariat Deputy Secretary (Special Task) Afzal Ahmed on the application of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Dr Tariq Mirza in PP-138 sent a letter to CMIT and ordered to take action against CDGL official (Works and Services) Xen, SDO, sub-engineer and contractor for embezzling funds allocated for construction of roads. He also sought the report within 15 days.
In an application, Mirza pleaded that CM had issued standing orders to avoid road construction unless sewerage lines and other services were not laid down. In violation of the CM’s orders, he said CDGL had started constructing a road called Timber Market Ghosia Park No 1 and No 2 at Ravi Road. He said after the issue was highlighted, road work was stopped and probe was ordered to hold the responsible officials accountable. Surprisingly, construction was completed trough fake documents. So much so, contractor finished the work without getting official work order, he maintained.
Later, Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif also after meeting PML-N leaders’ delegation, ordered to suspend 3 officials of WASA including Director (operation) Ravi Town Asghar Ali Bhalli, Xen (O&M) Rana Sarfraz Ahmed Khan SCO (city sub division city) Sohail Ahmed Sindhu.
However, he said the CM’s orders stood immaterialized and all official facing suspension were restored soon.
Talking to Pakistan Today, Mirza said drinking water supply line and sewerage pipe running parallel had ruptured from many points. Due to this, people had been complaining against the supply of polluted potable water for many years. Despite repeated complaints, WASA had not initiated repair work. CDGL constructed the road without laying down new water supply and sewerage lines. Meanwhile, people were promised carpet road but contractor constructed RCC. Facility of footpath was also ignored.
He said CMIT got his statement registered and also summoned the EDO (Works and Services). However, progress is not insight so far, he added. CM Secretariat senior official said CMIT got formal approval to investigate the case and finalise the report. However, progress was slow because of officialdom and bureaucratic consideration.
