Construction irregularities, financial discrepancies, operational hitches and political wrangling over state-of-the-art swimming pools located in Nishtar Park Sports Complex (Qaddafi Stadium) in Lahore has deprived many keen provincial, national and international-level swimmers of a world-class swimming facility to train and excel in the sport.

Conceived by Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi back in 2006, the swimming complex comprising short course 25m pool and Olympic-size 50m swimming pool, along with other fitness facilities, was estimated to cost Rs160 million. But, according to Punjab Sports Board data, unnecessary delays have increased the cost to rise to Rs400 million, with the completion of the project nowhere in sight.

Pakistan Swimming Federation President Major (R) Majid Waseem says the swimming complex is a dead project. "Plan to develop a high-valued swimming pool has been almost shelved".

Disappointed with the level of support from the provincial and national governments for the promotion of the sport, he says, "Nothing can be expected from them, they did not even honour the winners of gold, silver and bronze medals in South Asia Games 2016."

But the Punjab Sports Board spokesperson, Abdul Rauf, claims the pool is 99 per cent complete, "with some final touches, it will be set in motion in August".

The Punjab Sports Board Director General, Usman Anwar, confirms, "The pool will be a reality soon. The completion of the pool’s construction has been our top priority since 2012 when it was handed over to my department".

At present the complex is a shameful sight. Clearly one is shocked at the waste of taxpayers’ money. The 25m pool is filled with 300,000 gallons of filthy water. The tiled surface of the surrounding area is partially damaged. The adjoining ladies gym is an appalling sight with the gym equipment covered with layers of dust.

Spread over 23 kanals, the complex comprises two pools - a 25m short course and 50m long course. Both pools have eight lanes. The surrounding area of the 50m pool can seat up to 1,000 spectators. There are separate reception areas dedicated to male and female swimmers. The 25m pool is covered with fiberglass roof and surrounded by glass walls to allow natural day light to filter in. The two pools were designed to meet Fina standards with touch pads and electronic boards. They are furnished with a high tech filtration plant, heating system, world-class gyms (male and female), steam rooms, water purification system and jacuzzi - and a security system with CCTV cameras.

Last year, a swimming competition was held at the pool to meet standard operative procedures (SOPs). "I wouldn’t say we inaugurated the pool… an effort was made to test the pool, like a full dress rehearsal," says the pool manager Jahanzaib Warraich.

"The project has been marred by chronic corruption," says Hafiz Bhatti, the swimming coach, adding unfortunately it is one of the projects conceived and sanctioned by former CM Pervaiz Elahi. "Most of the projects launched by him have been abandoned."

While talking to TNS, Pervaiz Elahi comes hard on the Punjab government and its sports policies. "The swimming pool complex is a victim of political vendetta, just like many other public welfare initiatives we initiated in our times."

The PML-N media coordinator Muhammad Mehdi, disagrees with Elahi. "We did not shut down various public welfare projects initiated by Pervaiz Elahi, like free health facilities at hospital emergencies, 1122 and traffic warden system."

He assures the swimming complex will soon be ready to advance professional and leisure swimming.

Pool report 

A report of the Directorate General Monitoring & Evaluation and Planning & Development Department of Punjab in 2015, compiled by Majida Jawad, Senior Specialist Research & Development, Rubina Bano, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist and Masood Ahmed, Project Manager, exposed the wilful financial corruption of big shots in the sports ministry and the concerned sports departments. "As per the revised PC-I provided by the department, cost of the project was Rs404.529 million with its planned gestation period of twenty four (24) months i.e. from 2008-09. However, despite of many verbal and written reminders, the department was unable to provide the original and final revised PC-I documents," report disclosed.

When the evaluation team asked for details pertaining to the number of official posts and their salaries, the department was unable to satisfy, despite repeated documented communication. It was stated in the report that some people, whom the representative of the contractor was unable to recognise, occupied the adjoining rooms.

The report also reveals that the two swimming pools did not ensure a secure environment for female swimmers -- as the glass doors and windows of changing rooms and offices opening onto the pool were not covered with blinds.

The report also stated that the aesthetics and overall quality of civil work was partially satisfactory. The tiles were damaged, which the "representative of the contractor committed to replace, however, the same was not rectified till the second visit of evaluation team," says the report.

The team also observed termite in two rooms of the building which showed poor maintenance.

The report further says, representative of the contractor briefed that the building structure was completed in 2010. "Delay came after design changes and alterations were proposed by the executing agency."