MoC to launch E-Tendering, E-Billing; action against corrupt elements: Murad Saeed

ISLAMABAD: In a bid to ensure transparency and accountability in Ministry of Communications, the Federal Minister of State for Communications Murad Saeed here on Wednesday vowed to launch the E-Tendering system across the country, replicating the one introduced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Speaking to media persons on his maiden visit to the Ministry, he said to further enforce strict monitoring and check and balance on the system, he would be introducing an E-Billing system.

Murad also vowed to implement Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of eradicating corruption and strengthening public departments. He was briefed by Chairman National Highways Authority (NHA) and other attached departments on the major ongoing, pending and future projects.

He also directed the Ministry's officials to launch a smart phone application (app) within a month to provide necessary information particularly the project’s implementation, execution and progress in their desired region. “This application is not new as it’s already been functional in most of the developed countries, he said.

He resented the delay in various projects of NHA hampering tourism and indigenous development of the concerned areas. Responding to the notice the Minister had taken on Chakdara to Kalam 4-lane Expressway, the officials informed that the project was delayed due to political interference and maneuvering.

The Minister therefore ordered for audit of all delayed projects since 2002 and claimed that legal procedures would be followed in the accountability process.

He urged the officials to abide by the austerity campaign of Prime Minister Imran Khan and avoid any unnecessary expenditure as he himself would bear the expenses of tea if any of his guests visits the Ministry. “We are here to resolve issues by action instead of making sweeping statements,” Murad said.

Murad Saeed said internationally Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system is important for any project which has never been followed in our case. “There was no need to construct flyovers every time to resolve traffic issues rather road engineering must have been employed to make sustainable solutions, he remarked.

Now it is the high time to take crucial steps with team effort, improved coordination, dedication and proper direction to deliver the best to the masses, he said.