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Downsizing in PWD denied

ISLAMABAD: "There is no move for downsizing in the Public Works Department (PWD) as the department still faces shortage of technical staff," PWD sources said here on Saturday.

Commenting on a press report, published in section of the press, the sources, however, said the Ministry of Housing and Works and sought proposals from PWD about the position of the existing staff and a reply was submitted to the ministry.

According to the sources, the number of work-charge employees in PWD stands at 5,500, which include plumbers, painters, carpenters, chowkidars and helpers. The executive and clerical staff in PWD is around 3,500.

The sources underlined the need for giving proper training to chowkidars and helpers which will not only help fill the gap of technical staff but can improve the efficiency of the department.

The PWD, the sources said, has forwarded a summary to the ministry, seeking increase in the department's budget for the upcoming financial year so that the repair work of government residences and other properties is done satisfactorily.

The previous government had allocated Rs 400 million to PWD for the fiscal year 1999-2000 against its demand of Rs 600 million, which created problems for the department in carrying out proper repair work of the government buildings and residences, the sources said.ÑAPP