CDA Reportedly Under Fire as Senate Body Reveals Rs. 5 Million Expenditure on Single Parliament Lodges Unit

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is facing serious criticism after it was revealed that up to Rs. 5 million was reportedly spent on repair and renovation work for a single residential unit in Parliament Lodges.

A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate House Committee was held at Parliament House with Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt in the chair.

The panel reviewed in detail the state of repair and rehabilitation works at Parliament Lodges, the outsourcing of janitorial and lift services, expenditure over the last two years, and the construction of 104 new lodges for senators.

During the briefing, Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt informed members that in some cases, official records showed expenditures touching Rs. 5 million on individual units. However, he said senators living in those flats insist that the extent and quality of the work carried out falls far short of what such a large amount would normally cover.

Lawmakers expressed concern that public funds may have been misused under the guise of renovation. Members questioned how such high figures were approved when, according to residents, roofs remain in poor condition, interiors are only partially repaired, and many long-standing issues remain unresolved.

Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi strongly criticised the overall condition of the lodges, saying many units are still in a dilapidated state despite repeated repair claims. He alleged that delays in completing work appear deliberate and suggested that both contractors and some CDA officials may be benefiting from prolonged projects.

He called for greater transparency and third-party audits of all major repair and maintenance contracts at Parliament Lodges.

The committee also examined the performance of outsourced services, particularly janitorial work and lift operations.

Senator Dinesh Kumar argued that the outsourcing model had “failed” over the past six years, claiming that cleanliness standards have deteriorated and lifts often remain unattended, especially during night shifts.

While officials said 29 lift operators are deployed in three shifts, senators demanded duty rosters, attendance records, and verification through CCTV footage, insisting that strict action be taken against absent staff.

The committee was informed that 57 repair requests were received at Parliament Lodges during the 2024–25 financial year, of which 22 have been completed so far. A total of 156 employees are currently posted for various duties at the complex.

Concluding the meeting, Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt warned that continued complaints about the state of Parliament Lodges would not be tolerated and urged the CDA and concerned departments to treat the matter as a test case for accountability in the use of public money.