The Port Qasim Cricket Ground and Academy Project in Karachi is currently experiencing substantial delays, which could hinder the development of much-needed sporting facilities in the bustling metropolis. According to reports from Dawn, the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) initiated the tendering process for the construction of the cricket stadium and academy back in January, yet no significant progress has been made since then.
A PQA official expressed frustration over the prolonged bidding process, stating, "The bidding process has consumed such a long time. Had it not been the case, the entire project could have been completed by now." The official noted that the lengthy delays could lead to increased costs for the project, which was initially estimated at Rs60 million.
Despite the setbacks, PQA Secretary Shahnawaz Mangrio attempted to downplay the situation, asserting that the authority is taking the necessary time to ensure all procedures are followed correctly. "We will construct a state-of-the-art cricket stadium," he stated, aiming to reassure stakeholders about the project's future.
As of now, the tender process has seen five firms submit bids as of January 20. Following technical evaluations, two of those bids were deemed non-responsive, leaving three contenders. In May, the financial bids were opened, revealing that M/s Glamour Construction offered the lowest bid at Rs52 million. However, despite this progress, work orders have yet to be issued, raising further questions about the timeline for the project.
Officials within the PQA have indicated that a presentation regarding the stalled project will be shared with the board of authority in the near future, which could potentially lead to a recommencement of work. One official lamented, "The PQA has already taken several months in the technical evaluation process. I don’t know the reasons behind the delay in the issuance of the order to start the work on the project."
In light of the ongoing delays, some PQA officials have urged Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry to intervene and expedite the process. Acknowledging Karachi's significant lack of adequate sports facilities, one employee emphasized, "This project should be started on a priority basis." The need for improved sports infrastructure in Karachi is pressing, and the successful completion of the Port Qasim Cricket Ground and Academy could play a crucial role in addressing this gap.
Leave a Comment