PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: The native authorities of the federal capital has auctioned a bus service that operates within the high-security, diplomatic enclave to ferry visa aspirants. The profitable bid was for Rs102.6 million.
The public sale was carried out by the Islamabad Metropolitan Company (IMC), beneath the supervision of its Director MA Zafar Iqbal.
As many as eight firms had participated within the public sale together with MS Al Noor Weaving Manufacturing facility, MS Sasim Non-public Restricted, Shani Travellers, Infinity, Speedway, Fazal Khan and Co, MS Pak Worldwide and LGL Options.
In the long run, MS Al Noor Weaving Manufacturing facility received the contract with a bid of Rs102.6 million.
They’ve been awarded the contract for 3 years with the potential for extending it by an extra two-years. Nevertheless, will probably be based mostly on the corporate’s efficiency and a 10 per cent improve within the annual improve within the fares.
The present public sale pertained to the 4.6 acres of land reserved for the operation of the shuttle service and the upkeep of the buses.
As per phrases and circumstances, the final shuttle service will comprise 10 air-conditioned coasters, all of which have been manufactured inside the previous three years.
The price for normal service can be Rs500 per head for a two-way journey (from the bus terminal to the embassy and from the embassy again to the terminal), whereas 5 1,300cc automobiles can be organized for the chief service which prices Rs1,000 per head for a two-way journey.
Moreover, a parking price of Rs30 per car can even be charged as per the phrases.
The shuttle operates on the unique diplomatic zone established in Sector G-5 of the federal capital to ferry residents visiting the totally different embassies within the enclave for visa companies.
The public sale of the service within the federal capital has been the topic of a case within the accountability courtroom the place a former official of the Capital Improvement Authority (CDA) was accused of favouritism in allotting the tender for the shuttle service which was began by CDA within the diplomatic enclave in 2005.
The corruption within the allotment of tenders resulted in a deficit whereas the case towards the officers landed within the Nationwide Accountability Bureau (NAB) by way of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Nevertheless, the inquiry towards the case by NAB has been pending for a number of years.
Throughout a go to to the shuttle terminal in 2017, IMC Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz had expressed his dissatisfaction over poor cleanliness situation of the canteen. He additionally reproached involved departments of the IMC and CDA over the expansion of untamed bushes and grass within the space.
He had subsequently directed contractor of Diplomatic Shuttle Service for provision of services as per contract settlement.
Printed in The Specific Tribune, March 19th, 2020.
