ISLAMABAD: The Senate Sub-Committee on Housing Affairs has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to immediately start work on the long-delayed project for constructing 104 new Parliament Lodges. The committee warned that there is “no justification for further delay” as funds amounting to Rs3.5 billion are already available.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood and attended by Senators Danesh Kumar, Hidayatullah Khan, and Poonjo Bheel, reviewed CDA’s briefing on the stalled project. Lawmakers expressed serious concern over rising costs and alleged financial mismanagement.
The project was first approved in 2009 to address the accommodation shortage for parliamentarians but has faced repeated delays due to lack of funds, political issues, and legal disputes. A major setback occurred in 2015 when a disagreement over cost escalation led to litigation.
Earlier this year, the revised PC-I was approved at a total cost of Rs7.17 billion, with the contract awarded to Mian Usman Umer & Company.
The committee directed the Interior and Planning ministries to conduct regular site visits and submit progress reports. It also announced its own inspection to ensure transparency and accountability.
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Lawmakers also expressed dissatisfaction over the poor condition of existing lodges despite heavy spending.
They asked CDA to provide lodge-wise details of renovation costs, brands of materials used, and justification for all expenses. An internal inquiry committee has been tasked to submit a report within 21 days.
The sub-committee also criticized poor cleanliness at the lodges and demanded full details of janitorial contracts and staff deployment.
CDA officials informed the committee about financial pressure caused by absorbing former PWD employees. In response, the committee directed the Finance and Interior ministries to urgently resolve their salary issues.
Senator Nasir Mehmood stressed that both construction and maintenance of the Parliament Lodges must follow strict financial discipline, quality standards, and transparency to safeguard public funds and maintain the dignity of Parliament.
