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Minister not satisfied with F'abad Development Authority performance

RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD: The Provincial Minister for Communication and Works, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Major General Mohammed Tariq (Rtd) has expressed grave concern over the performance of the Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA). He said FDA director general was given the responsibility to look after the affairs of the municipal corporation, but he has failed to deliver the goods.

Presiding over a high-level meeting at Circuit House, the Minister directed Wasa managing director to resolve complaints regarding sewerage and water supply by reactivating its field staff. He also directed to complete Sargodha Road Pumping Station positively within three months.

The Minister also ordered to expedite work on Hockey Stadium and said it should also be completed up to April 15, 2000. About under construction Jhang and Sargodha roads, he said these roads are very important as these connect Faisalabad city with Airport and Motor Way, respectively. Hence special attention should be given for their in time completion, he added.

Mohammed Tariq also asked Wasa administration to widen the network of sewerage and water supply system and said the people availing from the system must be forced to pay bills.

About dual carriage way between Faisalabad and Sheikhupura, the Minister said this project was deferred because of the financial constraints. However, teh government is considering to undertake this project under the Built-Operate-Transfer scheme. He also asked the divisional administration to generate funds for the development projects by selling out various municipal properties. "I am ready to remove bottle neck if any to ensure funding for the ongoing development schemes," he added.

Tariq said the government is committed to provide best possible facilities to masses and strict action will be taken against the lethargic, negligent and irresponsible government officials. He further said an efficient government machinery is a must to resolve people's problems and we will never tolerate lethargic bureaucracy.

The minister said departments, meant for the uplift of urban areas, should create awareness among citizens about cleanliness by educating them. However, positive and visible improvements in utility services are prerequisite to achieve this objective. Reviewing the pace of work on various ongoing development projects in Faisalabad, he directed the authorities to gear up work and warned that delay in the completion of projects will not be tolerated. The minister said coordination committees are being set up in all major cities of Punjab to expedite completion of the uplift schemes in a planned and organised manner. Commissioners will chair these committees with FDA director general, Wasa managing director, Municipal Corporation administrator and deputy commissioners as its members. These committees will launch crash programmes to tackle issues of important nature on top priority basis.