Flaws detected in ministry complex

Published January 11, 2008

ISLAMABAD, Jan 10: The government has detected serious designing and engineering flaws in the newly-constructed Rs215 million complex of the environment ministry.

It was officially announced on Thursday that caretaker minister for environment Syed Wajid Hussain Bukhari had expressed concerns over what he termed serious design flaws in the building.

Expressing disappointment over the shoddy spending of public money and poor planning, the minister decided to take action against all those responsible and formed a committee to ascertain the defects. He asked the committee to give him a detailed report within a week.

He said the complex, which was built by the Public Works Department (PWD), had no provision of telephone, intercom, or computer networking lines and the design of stairs also negated all safety standards.

“The overall design of the structure is faulty. The building comprises a huge covered area but provides for little sitting or functional space. Thus there is conspicuous space wastage,” the minister said. He said it was noted that prominent and obstructive pillars were visible in every working room creating unnecessary hurdles and obstacles.

Pointing to some structural flaws, he said the building had been sealed and there was no provision for ventilation and outlets for cleaning terraces and exterior.

The minister was informed that rain drainage system of the building was poorly planned and the drain pipes were located inside the building. During the rainy season these pipes create gushing noise and had already begun to seep.

He was upset to known that each flank of the building comprised two big halls with only one door for entry and exit. The main entrance has been designed through the offices and the air-conditioning ducts were mounted on walls.

The ministry of local government and rural development was shifted to the premises in November last year.

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