Lack of funding for the recently-inaugurated shelter project by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Lahore for the homeless people who usually spent their nights on footpaths, parks and other public places has compelled the provincial government to contemplate outsourcing the entire project to private sector.
Sources privy to the development told Business Recorder that deliberations have already been started between the provincial and federal governments to outsource the entire project. Recently, they added, Imran Khan in an interview had also hinted at approaching some seasoned philanthropists for the "better service delivery" and smooth functioning of the project.
It may be noted that a few days after the inauguration of the project, a group of renowned businessmen and philanthropists met with the premier and assured the former of constructing five shelter homes at their own expense. They also expressed willingness to construct five additional shelter homes in other districts.
However, brushing aside the notion that state-run institutions have not enough capacity or capability to run such projects a better way, a senior officer while talking to this scribe said the actual reason behind these talks is lack of developmental funds.
A few months ago, he said, the Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal (SW&BM) Punjab had moved a summery before the Provincial Cabinet seeking release of over Rs 153 million for the construction of the shelter project. He added that the Cabinet, however, approximately approved Rs 50 million and instructed the Punjab Finance Department to release the amount, but it has not sanctioned yet.
"The project was in fact initiated by Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, but when the premier laid the foundation stone of a shelter home everyone, particularly philanthropists jumped into it," the officer explained on condition of anonymity.
Interestingly, he revealed that the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) without getting a single penny from the Punjab Finance Department started construction work for the two shelter homes near Railway Station and Data Darbar because of the direct involvement of the PM.
"If all the stakeholders are deliberating over privatisation of the project, why the LDA is constructing shelter homes?" the senior officer questioned. "It seems a major chunk would have been utilised till the completion of deliberations and a final privatisation strategy," he wondered. "If the government really wants to outsource this project, then who will bear the construction cost which is being spent by the LDA?" he further questioned.
According to the approved PC-I, he added, the Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal (SW&BM) Punjab was responsible for the execution of this project but the premier, without taking into confidence government officials, subsequently rejected the provincial government's plans and announced to appoint philanthropists for that purpose.