Ombudsman Punjab orders for payment of the land, acquired for Bus Terminal

Lahore: Ombudsman Punjab Javed Mahmood has ordered for payment of the land, acquired for Thokar Niaz baig Bus Terminal, to its land owner within a period of one week under intimation to Ombudsman Office. Ombudsman Punjab has finalized the order after 24 hearings and investigation process of 10 months. Administrator Lorry Adda Lahore, XEN WASA Lahore, Director WASA Allama Iqbal Town and concerned SDOs WASA were present during final order.

According to details, Khalid Ismael, a resident of Thokar Niaz Baig lodged an application to Ombudsman Punjab in April 2013 that Punjab Government acquired his 10 malra land for Bus Terminal at Thokkar Niaz Baig but he is not being paid amount of compensation of the said land despite its assessment i.e. Rs. 2.875 million. Ombudsman Punjab directed Advisor Legal Affairs Abdul Salam Khawar to probe the issue.

Advisor Abdul Salam Khawar served a number of notices to WASA Lahore, EDO works & Services, Officers of City District Lahore and Lorry Adda Lahore to redress the grievances of the applicant. WASA authorities argued that initially, no amount was allocated for purchase/acquisition of land in PC-I of the project. A revised PC-I has been submitted including the cost of land for the laying of force main and payment of the said 10 marla land of the applicant would be made as per revised estimates after approval.

Ombudsman Punjab showed concern over laying of force main by WASA without ensuring payment to the owner of the land and ordered to pay and amount of Rs. 2.875 million to the applicant as assessed by the concerned authorities.