Over Rs2 billion released for development projects at hill station. PHOTO: tdcp.gop.pk
Fort Munro Development Authority Director General Saqib Aziz said on Tuesday that Fort Munro would be equipped with world class facilities to attract tourists.
He was speaking at a meeting convened to discuss the hill station’s development. Aziz said this would promote development in the region, improve locals’ standard of life and make travelling more convenient. The commissioner said the government wanted to quickly revamp Fort Munro. He said the FMDA had been established for this purpose. Aziz warned against misuse of funds earmarked for development projects at the hill station. Aziz said the Parks and Horticulture Authority had finalised the design regarding the installation of a chairlift and cable car facility at Fort Munro. He said a notification had been issued on this account.
Read: Tourism sector: Rs1.75b being spent on Galiyat, says Ghani
It was revealed on the occasion that the government had released over Rs2 billion for the provision of basic facilities at the hill station in a bid to make it an important tourist haven. Out of the funds, Rs750 million would be spent on the installation of the chairlift and cable car facility between Fort Munro and Khar, Rs300 million on the provision of clean drinking water, Rs300 million on a wastewater treatment and drainage scheme, Rs1.60 billion on the construction of six new carpeted roads and a cadet college. Additionally, state-of-the-art landscaping initiatives and the cultivation of cut flowers would also promote development in the region and open new avenues of employment.
The decision to task the FMDA with overseeing the development projects and their on-time completion was taken at the meeting presided by FMDA chairman Owais Leghari.
Read: Hotels and booking: Jovago looking to free up the hostage tourism industry
Those present on the occasion reviewed the development projects in detail. It was decided the FMDA would also be used for the benefit of areas in the hill station’s vicinity. Those present vowed to ensure that all vacancies at the authority were filled on merit. They decided to strive for the quick provision of medicines, equipment and staff at Khar Civil Hospital. Those present decided to establish a residential colony for people employed at the Fort Munro THQ hospital. They stressed the importance of ensuring the provision of anti-snake venom vaccines at medical facilities in the area.
Three tube wells would be made functional at the hill station by August 14 to ensure the provision of potable water to locals.
The Forest Department would afforest 300 acres in the hill station’s vicinity. The Irrigation Department is also believed to have forwarded a proposal regarding the construction of six small dams in Fort Munro’s vicinity.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2015.
COMMENTS (4)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ