Karachi:
The Federal Government has decided to restart development projects in a standstill in Karachi and Hyderabad using federal funds, with a firm commitment to transparency and tenders based on merit. This decision aims to eliminate interference from corrupt networks and parallel administrative systems which have historically undermined the development of infrastructure.
Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) announced the Renaissance of 193 development regimes, previously canceled due to irregularities and lack of competition. These projects, worth billions of rupees, were initially approved for the constituencies represented by the MNA of Muthemi Movement-Pakistan of Muttahida Qaumi (MQM-P).
PIDCL has finalized two main financing packages – 15 billion rupees for Karachi and RS Five billions for Hyderabad – under which the development of infrastructure will be carried out in accordance with strict merit procedures. According to the new guidelines, the offers will be awarded without the customary commission cuts, bribes or political interference.
“The contracts will no longer be sold and all payments will be carried out transparent. The projects will be completed in time and according to approved standards,” said PIDCL Director Shafi Chachar.
He added that entrepreneurs who cite the rates of more than 10% below the lowest tenderer can be required to complete the work at their own costs to prevent manipulation through an unsustainable offer. All contracts awarded must be supported by valid banking guarantees, and no project will take place without responding to these financial guarantees.
To further strengthen transparency, PIDCL will implement an electronic process system, which should reduce favoritism and guarantee that tenders are allocated solely to merit. Independent consultants will be appointed to monitor the execution of the project and compliance with quality standards.
Out of 410 development diagrams initially offered by MQM-P MNA, 193 have already been canceled due to the presence of tenderers or unhealthy competition. PIDCL plans to reissue tenders for these patterns in the coming days.
In response to the concerns about invoicing fraud, Chachar said that Pidcl will coordinate with the departments relevant to the initiation and completion stages of each project. The panels displaying the details of the project will also be installed on construction sites to ensure the visibility and public responsibility.
“The federal government has published the required funds, and development work has already started under the supervision of Pidcl. The citizens of Karachi and Hyderabad will begin to see tangible improvements once the programs are completed,” he added.
The decision to conduct a “system” development – without a political brokerage or corrupt intermediary – marks a crucial change in the approach to urban infrastructure in the two largest cities of the Sindh. PIDCL officials have expressed the hope that the initiative would restore public confidence in development programs and have long long -awaited residents to residents.
