PM’s Office also asked about the Rs5 billion loan sanctioned to the CDA in the Financial Year 2015-16 and the repayment plan for the requested new loan.
PM Office asks CDA to explain Rs3 billion request for Convention Centre renovation. The Prime Minister’s office has sought clarification from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) regarding its request for a Rs3 billion interest-free loan to cover the renovation Jinnah Convention Centre ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Federal Capital, here on Saturday.
As per the details, CDA undertook the renovation under an emergency clause, bypassing the competitive tender process to meet tight deadlies.
Although the exact costs area still being calculated; the loan request includes potential surplus funds for other projects. The PM’s Office has asked for details on the renovation costs, spending plans and repayment of a previous Rs5 billion loan granted in 2015-16. It also suggested exploring public-private partnerships.
The renovation included extensive work on the main hall, committee rooms, corridors, and the installation of new toilet facilities. Furthermore, flooring, paint, glasswork, furniture, and carpets were also upgraded. A CDA official noted that the project was completed to international standards, making the venue suitable for future national and international events.
Sources in the interior ministry said the ministry had forwarded the summary for the loan to the PM’s Office. However, the PM’s Office sought more information.
They said the PM’s Office sought details about the requirements and the spending plan for the JCC renovations and the process undertaken to assess the cost.
The sources said the PM’s Office also asked about the Rs5 billion loan sanctioned to the CDA in the Financial Year 2015-16 and the repayment plan for the requested new loan.
It also advised the CDA to explore other options, like public-private partnerships to avoid spending large sums from the national exchequer.
The demand for additional information required by the PM’s Office had been conveyed to the CDA and after including their reply in summary, the same would be tabled before the PM for his approval, said sources.
It is relevant to note that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the CDA chairman and several ministers took a personal interest in the timely completion of the work and made several visits to ensure it was effectively done.
