May 7, 2003	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 4, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, May 6: The funds allocated for the renovation of Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat would be surrendered to the finance division as there is no possibility of the initiation of the work on this project during the current fiscal, an official said on condition of anonymity.

He said the Public Works Department had also sent a letter to the government for the release of the earmarked amount in the upcoming federal budget.

Informed sources said the government had decided to black list a private firm involved in the renovation of the building for its failure to initiate work on the Rs200 million project.

The Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat formally known as HBFC Tower and built in 1985 caught fire after electric short- circuiting as per initial reports, but inquiry committee finding were not made public. It housed 10 ministries and divisions which have now been shifted to hired buildings after the January 15 fire.

The PWD had awarded a Rs53 million contract, for renovation of the 20-storey Shaheed-i-Millat Secretariat to a Lahore-based construction company, the sources added. It has been learnt that at least nine-specialized construction companies submitted tenders for renovation of the building. The company which was awarded contract for the renovation stepped back as its offer was 100 per cent below the estimated cost of Rs56.225 million, an official of the PWD said.

The highest offer, he said, for undertaking the phase was Rs160 million.

The official maintained that the PWD has decided to forfeit the security (Rs0.5 million) of the private firm recommended blacklisting of the company.

He said tenders would be re-invited probably by the end of the current month from the eight already pre-qualified bidders.

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved the budget of over Rs200 million on December 23, 2002 and released about Rs50 million to initiate the first phase of renovation.

“But, we have to surrender these funds to the finance division as there is a merger chance of undertaking this project during current financial year 2002-2003,” the official added.

Earlier estimates put the renovation cost at Rs400 million, which was reduced to Rs200 million.

The official said the renovation, right from the basement to the penthouse, would be completed within two years after its initiation.

The technical feasibility committee, on the other hand, was of the view that the entire building should be demolished and replaced by a new one, but heavy cost of demolition came in the way. Therefore, it was decided to go for renovation, he added.

The official said renovation would cost of Rs56.225 million while Rs56.685 million be spent on refurbishment. Fire fighting equipment would be installed at Rs2.400 million and electrification/air-conditioning, lift and fire alarm cost Rs84.205 million.