RAWALPINDI, Jan 13: The Punjab housing and physical planning minister, Syed Raza Ali Shah, here on Monday warned the RDA and Wasa officials against laxity and negligence towards duty, sources said.

He said this during a briefing given to him by the officials of the civic agencies during his first visit to the RDA and Wasa offices.

He said there was no more place for those who could not deliver and the corrupt would be held accountable for their misconduct.

The minister said a regular system of monitoring of the working of civic agencies officials was being put in place so that desired targets could be achieved. He said the government was committed to improving the performance of these civic agencies.

Later, talking to reporters, he said the RDA and Wasa had been asked to furnish a report regarding their performance and ongoing development projects.

He said this was required for developing a vision for the future development of the city and formulation of mega-projects.

Mr Shah said the RDA was being computerized to solve the problems confronted by the citizens with regard to transfer of property and other civic issues. He warned that a crackdown against fake housing schemes fleecing citizens was being initiated shortly.

“All housing societies formed without fulfilling the legal requirements would be taken to task and not be allowed to deprive the citizens of their hard-earned money,” he added.

About the RDA’s Lohi Behr housing scheme, he said work on the project would be started shortly after overcoming legal hindrances.

Replying to queries from reporters, the RDA’s director- general said the government parameters for allowing the setting up of CNG stations at any proposed site were being strictly complied with.

Responding to a question, Wasa’s managing-director said the agency was considering a proposal of constructing check dams and diversions to prevent sewerage water from Islamabad entering into Nullah Leh. He said a feasibility was being prepared in this regard.

About the progress on Leh expansion project, he said two- third of the work had already been completed. He said the cost of the work on the project amounted to Rs400 million, whereas Rs500 million were paid as compensation.

He said Rawalpindi had no further scope for tubewell drilling due to depleting ground watertable. He said the 20 tubewells being installed were situated at places where the older ones were not repairable. He said at the moment 34 tubewells in the city were out of order.

Regarding the supply of water, he said it stood at 30 million gallons a day.