Islamabad: Senate Sub-Committee Reviews CDA Briefing on Construction of 104 New Lodges and Renovation of Existing Parliament Lodges. The Sub-Committee of the Senate House Committee, chaired by Senator Nasir Mehmood, convened in Islamabad today to examine the delayed construction of 104 new lodges and to question the quality of repair and maintenance works recently carried out at Parliament Lodges. Senators Danesh Kumar, Hidayatullah Khan, and Poonjo Bheel also attended the meeting.
The Committee noted with concern that although the project of 104 new lodges was approved as far back as 2009 to meet the growing accommodation needs of Parliamentarians, it has remained plagued by repeated delays. CDA officials informed that while land acquisition was completed in 2011, work stalled several times due to lack of funds and political disruptions near the site. In 2015, the contractor demanded a steep cost escalation, leading to prolonged litigation. Only in 2025 was the revised PC-I approved at a cost of Rs. 7,170 million, and the contract awarded to Mian Usman Umer and Company.
The Committee observed that the prolonged delays have not only multiplied costs but also created avoidable financial burdens on the public exchequer. It stressed that with Rs. 3.5 billion already available, there is no justification for further inaction. The Chairman directed CDA to immediately commence work and underscored that timely completion is essential to avoid yet another cycle of cost escalations and litigation. The Committee further directed that the Ministries of Interior and Planning must conduct site visits and submit progress reports to ensure consistent progress and transparency and accountability in the work. The committee will also visit the site.
On the matter of renovation of existing lodges, the Committee expressed dissatisfaction over the deteriorated condition of the buildings despite claims of heavy expenditures. Thorough inspections will be carried out, and CDA was tasked to provide lodge-wise details of renovation costs, materials used, and justification for excessive spending. The Chairman remarked that accountability in the use of public money is non-negotiable and that disproportionate spending on a few lodges will not be tolerated. The Committee directed Chairman CDA to constitute an internal committee comprising well reputed officers to conduct the initial investigations into the quality of the work and spending of amounts on each lodge during last two years. The Convener of the sub-committee strongly pressed for transparency, demanding that CDA submit an internal inquiry report within 21 days. The Committee emphasized that all working papers must clearly identify the brands of materials used, to prevent misuse of funds and to guarantee du
rability of works.
The Sub-Committee also raised the issue of poor cleanliness standards at Parliament Lodges. Members noted that janitorial staff deputed for the task were not performing their duties effectively. Details of the janitorial contract, staff deployment, and associated costs were sought. Senator Hidayatullah Khan pointed out that efficient housekeeping is a basic necessity and failure in this regard reflects poorly on management.
The Chairman CDA, while briefing the Committee, highlighted the additional financial burden on CDA due to absorption of Pakistan PWD employees after the department’s closure. He requested supplementary funding to meet salary obligations. The Committee directed the Ministries of Finance and Interior to resolve the matter on priority, stressing that institutional gaps should not hinder operational efficiency.
The Sub-Committee concluded that both construction and maintenance of Parliament Lodges must be managed with strict transparency, financial discipline, and quality assurance to protect public funds and uphold the dignity of Parliament.