KARACHI, Feb 5: The New Sindh Secretariat project has been accorded administrative approval by the finance and cooperation department and now it is hoped that survey will be carried out before making its blue print, it is learnt.

The Services and General Administration and Coordination Department, which had submitted its summary regarding financing of the project, was accorded approval to carry out field survey of the area for the New Sindh Secretariat project.

The provincial development working party had approved the PC- II of the project, which was planned on the site of old barracks opposite the Sindh Assembly Building at the cost of Rs2.6 million during the last financial year. But, as its administrative approval was not given, the services of a consultant for its study could not be hired.

The project was initiated by Dr Mutawakil Kazi when he was Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Development). A presentation was also made in this regard before the cabinet in early 2001 by a consulting architect who explained various aspects of the project, including existing office space usage, proposed converted area of the new complex, and the need for urban renewal in surroundings of the secretariat.

It was emphasized that a detailed physical survey of the area must be undertaken which should take into account the issues ranging from detailed measurements of roads and buildings to determine the layout of public services.

The cabinet at its meeting in June 2002 had approved the new secretariat complex and upgrading of the existing buildings at an estimated cost of Rs700 million to be funded by the provincial annual development programme over a period of three to four years.

The Institute of Architects of Pakistan was assigned the task of conducting competitions to assess the firms having a proven track record of requisite experience for undertaking the project.

The barracks housing the offices of anti-corruption establishment, education, archeology, revenue, information, excise and taxation, Sindh Public Service Commission, engineering and works were built in 1947-48. The structure was suitable for 15 years, however, the barracks were still in use that had increased maintenance cost over the years.

Besides, in view of the increasing security problems and growing requirement of extra space for the personnel and equipment, the construction of a new building was inevitable. Therefore, it was proposed to build new office block that would not only bring down the maintenance cost, but also make room for proper offices and parking lot within the existing site.

As it was not possible for the provincial government to bear the expenses of the project construction, it was proposed that a portion of the strip of the barracks overlooking Burns Road should be disposed off by auction through the privatization commission. However, the remaining portion should be used to build the new block.