He said the idea of IDAP emerged when the communication & works department had pointed out the then government that there was no sufficient competence available to complete 'specialized projects'. Therefore, it was decided to set up IDAP for planning, designing, construction and maintenance of infrastructure in Punjab in line with the best international practices to cope with the futuristic development needs; and, for the purpose, hiring of international and local consultants and contractors for execution, management, operation and maintenance.
While listing down the functions of the Authority, he said the Authority plans, promotes, organizes, re-organizes and implements programmes for construction, development, operations, repairs, rehabilitation, security and maintenance of the infrastructure. It also prepares asset management schemes regarding the property under its management and advises the government on matters relating to infrastructure development. The Authority acquires or disposes of property or any interest in the property with the approval of government; conducts studies, surveys, consultancies, experiments or technical researches to be made and contribute towards the cost of any such studies, surveys, experiments or technical researches made by any other agency for the furtherance of defined objectives.
He said the IDAP raises funds through borrowing, investments, leasing of assets or any other means in the prescribed manner subject to the approval of the government. It also develops commercial sites along the roads and on the property vesting in it; enters into and performs such contracts with local and international organizations. The Authority may levy, collect or cause to be collected tolls on the use of the infrastructure of the Authority.
He said one salient feature of the IDAP is joining by the best brains from Silicon Valley and other leading firms from the private sector. The IDAP is a combination of over 300 resources from various fields including, engineering, IT and accountancy.
Mujahid Sherdil is himself an architect who has joined the government after getting through a competitive examination.
He told this scribe that the IDAP has recently commissioned first phase of Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute (PKLI). Also, he added, the Authority had refurbished all the 25 district headquarters (DHQs) in the province of Punjab. "For the first time in the history of Punjab, inflection-free floors have been introduced to DHQs by the IDAP," he claimed.
He said the IDAP has constructed an 8-storey testing laboratory for the food department and is in advising on second building of Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory. The Information Technology University is another feather in the cap of IDAP while it has also given valuable input in setting up chains of medical stores in the city, he added.
He said all the operations and accounts of IDAP are duly audited by the public as well as private sector firms. According to him, the PPRA rules are followed in true sense for procurement of material for various projects. "The IDAP has introduced steel construction for the very first time in the public sector infrastructure development projects," he concluded.