CM Buzdar expresses indignation over poor quality of some development projects

Usman Buzdar reiterated that government is following a policy of zero-tolerance towards corruption

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Tuesday while expressing displeasure over the poor quality of some ongoing development projects said that he was sending teams to inspect them secretly.

He was presiding over a meeting to review the progress on the development projects. During the meeting, he was given detailed briefing on the ongoing development projects in Dera Ghazi Khan and South Punjab.

Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D, ACS (Home), ACS (Urban Services) attended the meeting while secretaries participated through video link from the civil secretariat. Commissioner, RPO and others also participated through video link from DG Khan/Taunsa Sharif.

CM Buzdar directed director anti-corruption to investigate by visiting the site. He directed the officers to minutely review development projects by visiting the field and check that what is going on there and how the road may be found in dilapidated conditions soon after its construction.

“I am also secretly reviewing development projects by sending teams and no corruption will be allowed as the government is the custodian of every penny,” he said.

The chief minister directed that line departments should ensure timely completion of development projects and verification certificates about their completion be submitted as well.

Usman Buzdar reiterated that government is following a policy of zero-tolerance towards corruption; and those who perform will be rewarded, while non-performers will not be tolerated.

“Corruption, negligence and laxity will not be tolerated,” the CM added.

Crackdown against hoarders, profiteers

Earlier today, Usman Buzdar ordered a strict crackdown on hoarders and profiteering and directed concerned officials to carefully monitor process of auction in markets.

According to details, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has directed to show no leniency to anyone who is found involved in hoarding and profiteering during the holy month of Ramazan.

He also directed concerned officials to ensure provision of all items at government’s fixed prices.

Earlier, Punjab government promulgated anti-hoarding ordinance in a bid to control hoarding and profiteering in the province. Ordinance contains three-year sentence, summary trial and confiscation of the hoarded items.

Ordinance has declared hoarding as a non-bailable crime and deputy commissioners of all districts now have the power to carryout raids without search warrants. Special magistrate will announce verdict of hoarding case in 30 days. Appeal against the verdict of special magistrate can be filled within 30 days in session court, which is bound to announce its verdict in next 30 days.

Punjab government has also released list of 41 goods which cannot be hoarded according to the ordinance.

List includes tea, sugar, powered milk, milk for children, edible oil, fruit, salt, potato, onion, pulses, fish, beef, mutton, eggs, spices, vegetables, kerosene oil, match sticks, coal, chemical fertilizers, poultry food, cement, cotton seeds, caustic soda, pesticides, wheat flour, face masks, N95 masks, sanitizers, surface cleaners, alcohol and wool.