Punjab civil secretariat’s cafeteria, which was closed for renovations in June 2013, has not been reopened even though renovation work was completed almost four months ago, The Express Tribune has learnt. Some officials of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) said that heavy rains had caused seepage through the cafeteria roof damaging six newly installed air conditioners, ovens and paint.
The renovation work cost around Rs8 million and the cafeteria was scheduled to open in December 2013. Officials at the secretariat blamed the delay on the S&GAD’s welfare wing.
They said the cafeteria was closed in June last year for renovation. The Finance Department allocated Rs8 million for the renovation and Rs1.2 million for new furniture. The renovation was completed four months ago. Six new air conditioners were installed in the cafeteria hall that has a seating capacity of 200. Three mechanical tandoors were installed as well. A separate cabin, with a seating capacity of 30, was made for women employees.
An official speaking on condition of anonymity said the department was yet to purchase new furniture.
The S&GAD has established a temporary cafeteria under a shed in the secretariat’s H-Block. The official said the cafeteria had been shut down twice because employees complained that they were being served unhygienic food.
As many as 4,500 employees of the secretariat visit the cafeteria for lunch, refreshment and tea during recess. Around 700 people visit the civil secretariat each day. “It is unfortunate that they aren’t provided a dignified venue to take tea and have proper meals,” the official said.
Several employees at the secretariat said that the government should purchase the furniture and crockery on priority and open the cafeteria for visitors and employees. They said the food should be sold at subsidised rates.
Some employees at the Finance Department said they had requested the S&GAD to open the cafeteria several times. They said the renovation work was complete yet the cafeteria remained shut. They said officers were served tea in their offices but their subordinates had no option but to have tea at the makeshift cafeteria. Additional Chief Secretary Amer Sohail Mirza refused to comment.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2014.