Govt provides Rs 15-mn for Khanpur water supply project

Rawalpindi: The federal government has released Rs 15 million as first installment for construction of Khanpur Dam water supply phase-III scheme to counter water shortage in Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment areas.

Initially, Rs700 million has been estimated for completion of this phase in two years. On the other hand, sources said that feasibility report of the project was prepared in 2004, but now due to price hike its cost could jump to Rs 1 billion.

The project entails construction of 11 overhead water reservoirs and installation of basic structure of water supply in Chaklala.

The sources said the federal government had initially released Rs 15 million as first installment for the start of work on phase-III of the scheme.

Rawalpindi Cantonment Board Chief Engineer Syed Abid Shah said Khanpur Dam Water Supply Phase-III project was supposed to be completed in two years according to its feasibility report.

He said work on the project would start after the departments concerned received funds issued by the federal government.

CDA to fence, repair Simly Dam: Capital Development Authority (CDA) will spend Rs 2,84,936 to fence and repair Simly Dam within three months.

A CDA official said the authority would also install gauge at catchment areas of the dam at a cost of Rs 5,2629 within one month. Replacement of garden lights at Simly Dam Rest House within two months will cost Rs 3,86,968, the official said.

He said the authority had earmarked Rs 5,75,512 for construction of a jetty and painting of railing at the dam. The CDA deputy director, Simly Dam Division, said tenders had been invited for the project.

Govt houses allotment: The Committee meant to recommend allotment of government houses in the capital city has failed to do the assigned task along with the general waiting list within seven months of its creation.

In the absence of criteria for their allotment, the government houses are being allotted to officials on out-of-turn basis, it’s learnt.

Headed by the Housing and Works Ministry’s joint secretary, the committee consists of the ministry’s deputy secretary, the estate officer and the joint estate officer.

An employee alleged that Estate Office was allotting government houses to officials, who had joined government service a few years ago, ignoring senior employees.

He said under the rules, 90 percent government house allotments were to be made on the basis of seniority and service duration, and the rest of the allotments on out-of-turn basis.

According to an estimate, 17,421 government employees await official accommodation.

Joint Secretary of Ministry of Housing and Works and Estate Officer were not available for comments despite repeated efforts.