At the request of SOBER, VCE, Cdre Muhammad Ilyas received the Society’s delegation, headed by President, Mr. Iftikhar Hussain Kazmi this morning at his office, Rawalpindi. The latter was accompanied by the SOBER’s Vice President, Finance Secretary, and Joint Secretary, and myself. Cdre sahib was assisted by PD, Brig. (R) Shehzada Imtiaz, and senior officials of BTPL.
The suspension of cylinder issue, in all its aspects was discussed in the meeting. We recalled the range of services that BTPL had promised to provide to residents on the eve of launching of BEI in 2011. It was informed that the gas connections were delayed essentially because of the lack of CDA’s NOC, and other government hurdles, including moratorium on new meters. We, the residents, paid full development charges, including those concerning gas, telephone, and other utilities.
We stressed that the withdrawal of cylinders was shocking, and that this facility be restored with immediate effect.
BTPL officials informed that a lot of spade work had been carried out, facilitating the provision of piped gas to BEI. We were told that Demand Notice was expected to be issued to BEI later this month, following which necessary funds will be paid to SNGPL. By the end of March, this year, infrastructure work would commence. And, other things remaining unchanged, gas connections to LOP areas would begin after about a year. More than eight contractors would be tasked.
It was emphasised that BTPL had been providing cylinders free of charge for over a decade. This expenditure exceeded crores of rupees. And, due to astronomical cost escalation, it was no longer possible for BTPL to provide this facility gratis. They said that residents were required to pay the outstanding dues on this account as of April, 2021. At this point, we mentioned that the cost escalation of gas was known, but none of the residents would agree to paying the outstanding dues. This service had never been documented in the past, and that passing this burden to residents was untenable.
Following threadbare discussion for over two hours, we asked them to review the issue, and work out a fair, and judicious solution for our residents, comprising mostly middle, and lower middle income groups. At our request, Cdre Ilyas agreed to place this issue before Chairman, BTPL, together with his recommendations. He assured to be helpful.
Discussion on the issues was frank, and candid. We were given to understand that the Mgt. would revert to SOBER in the next few days.
We are much less pessimistic now than before the meeting.
(Muhammad Anwer Usmani)
General Secretary, SOBER,
11-2-2023