CNG-fitted buses: CDGK likely to annul agreements with Holland, Sweden

The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) is likely to cancel agreements with Holland and Sweden CNG Bus Companies to introduce 1,500 CNG-fitted buses in the metropolis. Well-informed sources in CDGK told Business Recorder here on Wednesday.
The sources revealed that both the companies hidden the facts, which caused delay in implementing the agreement so far that is why the CDGK has yet to facilitate Karachiities with environmental friendly CNG buses, due to be operational in the end of July, 2007.
Furthermore, they said that around 50 buses out of total 1,500 buses had been stuck up at Karachi port, adding that these ambiguous situation is compelling the city government to annul the accord.
The sources said: "When the city government asked these companies to explain the situation, they failed to satisfy the government and claimed due to lack of some import documents the shipment has not been cleared yet at the port."
They informed initial probe into the matter revealed that contrary to commitment of these companies made in submitted papers to import CNG vehicles with all its spare parts from Holland and Switzerland CNG buses had been replaced with Indian spare parts.
These environmental friendly buses have been brought in the city from Dubai route via sea while original spare parts have been replaced with India made spare parts, they added. They said that Indian spare parts are not allowed to import, as per Custom Act of Pakistan, for which CNG buses have not been cleared for the last four months.
To a question, they replied that both the companies had categorically refused the allegations levelled by CDGK's transport department and still concealing the facts in this regard. Therefore, CDGK has issued notice to companies to get CNG buses cleared soon, sources said.
It may be mentioned here that CDGK had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 21, 2007 with Holland Bus Company for launching 1,500 CNG buses. CDGK set first week of July as a deadline for launching the vehicles but failed to materialise its commitment and termed roughness of the Arabian Sea as a reason in delaying shipment of the CNG vehicles.