29 September 2004	Wednesday	13 Shaban 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 28: The National Assembly standing committee on planning and development has instructed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to ensure awarding of contracts on merit , completion of roads within the stipulated period and observance of all international standards during construction.

Evaluating the development projects undertaken by the NHA in various parts of the country, the committee expressed its displeasure and dissatisfaction over poor quality of roads in general.

The committee, which met here under the chairmanship of MNA Sardar Bahadur Khan Sihar, recommended the government to take effective and strict measures for weight control on roads to increase their life.

The committee also asked the NHA authorities to make public the names of various officials as well as contractors found responsible for causing inordinate delay in completion of projects.

Earlier, the NHA authorities gave a detailed briefing on the state of affairs regarding national highways. Senator Mian Amjad Abbas, who attended the meeting on special invitation, drew the attention of the NHA authorities towards the construction of a bridge at Head Mohammad Wala near Muzafargarh which was promised by successive presidents and prime ministers during their visits to the area.

The committee recommended the construction of said bridge, saying that it would improve economy of the area. The committee was also briefed by the Alternate Energy Development Board on ways and means to find out and develop various sources of energy keeping in view future requirements.

The National Assembly committee appreciated the work done by the board and assured its cooperation in developing alternate energy sources. Those who attended the meeting included MNAs Riffat Javed Kahlon, Amjad Ali Warraich, Mohammad Hussain Mehanti, Hakim Qari Gul Rehman, Razia Aziz, Hizbullah Bughio and Senator Mian Amjad Abbas.