The Senate House SubCommittee has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to prioritize settling its financial obligations before embarking on new development initiatives. This directive came during a meeting chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood on Tuesday at Parliament House. Senators Danesh Kumar, Hidayatullah Khan, and Poonjo Bheel (online) were present, along with the CDA Chairman and officials from the Ministries of Interior, Finance, and Planning and Development.

The committee scrutinized the 104 Lodges Project, plagued by delays since its inception in 2009. Initially slated for completion in 2011, the scheme faced land acquisition hurdles until 2011 and remained incomplete even after 2014, ultimately leading to contract termination. Subsequent legal battles, including arbitration and court cases, have resulted in substantial financial burdens for the government.

The CDA Chairman explained that despite repeated tender reissuances, legal complexities deterred prospective bidders. The endeavor has now been divided into smaller segments and revived under modified agreements, though cost escalations pose a continuing challenge. He pledged to finalize the project within the current fiscal year.

Regarding upkeep and restoration efforts, the CDA disclosed unsettled dues amounting to Rs. 740 million, with suite renovations alone requiring an estimated Rs. 200 million. Authorities emphasized that new maintenance cannot begin until existing debts are cleared.

Senator Nasir Mehmood voiced serious apprehensions about the backlog in repair work, stressing the urgency of addressing liabilities. He also demanded transparency in budgetary allocations and spending, insisting that financial holdups should not postpone crucial tasks to the next financial year.

Senator Danesh Kumar emphasized adherence to budgetary constraints and requested a detailed account of the Rs. 1 billion expended in the preceding financial year, excluding staff salaries. The Interior Ministry, addressing funding concerns, explained that limited savings were available as half of the yearly budget had already been allocated in the first quarter due to competing requirements from other departments.

The committee committed to continuous monitoring, ensuring financial transparency, and obtaining a comprehensive financial statement from the CDA in its upcoming session.