ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to launch an investigation into the alleged changes into Rawalpindi’s Ring Road project.
Taking notice of the alleged changes in the re-alignment, Prime Minister directed the Punjab Chief Minister to why cost of the project has increased from Rs40 billion to Rs65 billion.
The Prime Minister also asked Mr. Buzdar to share findings about the private housing societies which have benefited from changes in the design of the project.
According to informed sources, that Prime Minister issued these directives to the Punjab Chief Minister after the matter was brought into the notice of prime minister that due to some changes in the alignment plan of the road, the cost of the project had gone up from Rs40bn to Rs65bn.
Sources said that the changes in the 85-kilometre Rawalpindi Ring Road project had allegedly been made after the intervention of some politicians and other elements.
It was learnt that the estimated cost of the road project was Rs40 billion, however, the additional expenditure after the changes in the original plan will increase its cost up to Rs65 billion.
After holding a thorough inquiry, the authorities will trace the elements behind the alleged changes in the road project in order to bring the responsible persons to justice.
Work on the project has not been started so far as the local administration has invited bids for the project.
The Prime Minister has ordered that first it should be investigated as to when the original plan has been changed, for what reasons, on whose behest and to benefit whom.
“The responsibility will be fixed and officials found involved in any illegal change of the master plan of project would be dealt with in accordance with law,” the sources said.
“It will also be investigated if the project alignment and the width of the road have been changed to benefit certain private housing societies and if some influential politicians or groups are involved in the scam,” they said.
According to original estimates, the construction of the 85km road was to be completed at a cost of Rs40bn.
Earlier, Rawalpindi Commissioner retired Capt Mohammad Mehmood had asked the companies interested in getting the contract for the project under public-private partnership to submit their bids by April 12.