Independent Report
USTA MUHAMMAD (November 12): Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ramzan Palal has warned contractors and officials that failure to maintain construction standards or meet prescribed project timelines would result in action under the relevant rules, including possible reassignment of schemes after formal notices.
He issued the warning while chairing a meeting of the District Coordination Committee, which reviewed development projects under the Balochistan Special Development Initiative (BSDI), drainage works, law and order, municipal services and issues raised by the public.
The meeting examined a proposed drainage scheme along both sides of the Khanpur Distributary. Officials pointed out potential complications involving underground gas pipelines, existing watercourses and PTCL infrastructure, besides concerns regarding the adequacy of funds allocated for the work.
The participants also considered utilizing available resources for road improvement along Jinnah Road and the stretch connecting the Judicial Complex with Hajwani Bypass Road. However, no final decision was reported regarding the proposed reallocation of funds.
Palal expressed concern over the condition and performance of cameras installed under the Safe City project and called for improved coordination among the departments responsible for security, traffic regulation and enforcement. He also directed authorities to intensify measures against encroachments, drug trafficking and begging.
The deputy commissioner instructed the Irrigation Department to prepare and submit comprehensive information on unauthorized watercourses along the Kirthar Canal. The report was to include details regarding water consumption and the beneficiaries of such channels to assist authorities in preventing illegal withdrawals and ensuring equitable distribution of irrigation water.
Taking notice of complaints concerning shortages of drinking water, Palal directed the assistant commissioner and officials of the Public Health Engineering Department to visit the affected areas, assess the situation and implement appropriate remedial measures.
He also sought updated reports on delayed building and drainage schemes, directing the relevant departments to identify obstacles affecting implementation and take steps to bring the projects to completion within the stipulated timeframe.
The meeting additionally reviewed the registration of seminaries, measures against wheat hoarding and profiteering, and progress on decisions made during public grievance hearings.
Palal emphasized that quality construction, institutional accountability and timely delivery of public services must remain central to development efforts. He warned that negligence by officials or contractors would not be overlooked and that those responsible would be dealt with under the applicable rules.
