KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has ordered the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) to conduct thorough inquiries over delay in completion of development projects of Agriculture Department.
The chief minister, presiding over a meeting to review the pace of development schemes, directed the authorities concerned to ensure timely completion of the development projection. The meeting was attended by Senior Finance Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Agriculture Minister Sardar Ali Nawaz Maher, Chief Secretary Siddique Memon, Principl Secretary Alamuddin Bullo, Additional Chief Secretary (Dev) Mohammad Waseem, Agriculture Secretary Shahid Gulzar Shaikh and others officials.
Agriculture Secretary Shahid Gulzar Shaikh told the chief minister the Works and Services Department could not complete three schemes worth Rs 257.34 million despite utilising the allocated amount.
Giving the details of the schemes, he disclosed that Mirch Mandi in Umerkot district, worth Rs 195.878 million, is at plinth level only, as Works and Services Department could not ensure timely completion of the project despite utilising the allocated funds. The department is demanding Rs 600 million for to complete the schemes, he told the chief minister. He said Sindh produces 90 percent chillies of the country and delay in this important project is deplorable.
The chief minister ordered Chief Secretary Siddique Memon to send the matter to the ACE and report him. Works and Services Secretary Aijaz Memon said that he would also conduct an inquiry into the matter.
Giving details of another scheme of repair work of Directorate of Agriculture extension and Directorate Training Buildings, the agriculture secretary said the project is still in doldrums and a demand of Rs 6.9 million has been made for completion. The chief minister directed the chief secretary to send Planning and Development DG for inspection of the scheme.
