KARACHI, Feb 1: Sindh Works and Services Minister Manzoor Hussain Wassan has directed the officials of an inspection team to review all the ongoing development schemes in the province and submit a report to him by next month to ensure that the projects are completed by June 2009.

The minister directed the inspection team that funds allocated for the schemes should be prudently utilised and schemes be completed within the stipulated timeframe so that funds did not lapse.

Mr Wassan asked the team to monitor the schemes being carried out with the collaboration of ADB and Japanese assistance so that their funds were used properly. He warned that strict action would be taken if any official was found involved in dishonesty and carelessness in the development projects, particularly the works under way at the mausoleum of Benazir Bhutto.

He made it clear that there could be no compromise on quality and quantity as well.

He reiterated that special care must be taken of quality of development works at Garhi Khuda Bukhsh and the same should be completed with utmost honesty within the specified timeframe.

He directed that quality cement blocks be used in the courtyard of the mausoleum and progress should be visible on the anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on April 4.

The chief engineer of buildings briefed the minister about development projects. He said that buildings of various Sindh government departments were under construction in the province which would be completed within the stipulated time.

He said the plan included two mega projects including Rs3,000 million New Sindh Secretariat Complex whereby barracks on both sides of the High Court would be demolished and replaced with new buildings.

The other project was the construction of new Sindh Assembly Hall costing Rs2,000 million for which a committee had been formed for early start of work.

Mr Wassan said that construction work should be carried out on modern lines and warned that officials taking commission from contractors on award of work order would be suspended. Besides, he said, legal action would be taken against such officials.—APP