CDA and NGO: an unholy marriage
Artists desperately await the inauguration of The Potohari Arts and Craft Village.
ISLAMABAD:
The Indus Heritage Trust (IHT) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) seem to be engaged in a cold war over the possession of “The Potohari Arts and Craft Village”.
The controversy has resulted in the delay of the village’s inauguration, which has increased artists’ troubles by depriving them of a much-needed platform to display their talents.
The CDA set a tentative deadline for the project’s inauguration in March this year, but sources inside the civic body told The Express Tribune that they consider the launch unlikely because of a “controversial agreement between the IHT and CDA.”
According to a CDA official, it is “amazing” that the civic body signed an agreement with a private organisation for the control of 20 acres of its own prime land, while the authority’s directorate of Sports and Culture could have served the same purpose.
He revealed that Shariq Khan was hired by the CDA Board as director operations for this project, while many directors, additional directors and assistant directors currently working in the Sports and Culture Directorate could have been well-suited for the job.
Mian Wahidud Din, Member Environment of CDA, refused to comment on the issue when contacted. “Do not drag the government employees in such issues,” he said.
However, CDA Municipal Directorate chief Mansoor Ahmad Khan told The Express Tribune that they were making efforts to take back the village’s control from a non-governmental organisation. He claimed that the IHT’s illegal occupation of the village was an open secret.
Shariq Khan also confirmed this, when contacted, but refused to share the details of the deal between CDA and IHT.
IHT Chairperson Siddiqa Malik said that IHT signed an agreement with CDA to develop the village, with the former responsible for operating its affairs. Responding to a question, she replied that if the agreement was not fair then the CDA should be held responsible for signing such a deed.
The first event organised in the village was a three-day SAARC Mela in February 2009. Soon after that, the authority decided to go for a soft opening of the facility in which artisans were invited to run two clusters.
After that, three more events including Jashn-e-Baharan, Jugni Mela and Saawan Mela were held.
While inaugurating a mini crafts bazaar at the site on February 2, 2010, CDA Chairperson Imtiaz Inayat Elahi said, “The village, a landmark project, is the first genuine example of public- private partnership of the CDA, which will add colour to the unique character and flavour of Islamabad.”
The beauty of the village lies in its raft shops, exhibition halls, design centres, food courts, studios, accommodations for visiting artists, an amphitheater for performing arts, open air entertainment, children-friendly play area and parks.
It is not simply an exhibition spot but also includes facilities such as educational centres for artisans and art students, an art gallery and a museum. However, artists have been waiting for more than two years for its inauguration.
Themed on a two-week rotational basis, one of its objectives was to preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage through design back-up, advice and support to make traditional crafts more marketable.
The village was perceived to serve as a showcase for the nation’s traditional craft and handloom heritage and, if opened, will provide Islamabad with a unique shopping and entertainment experience.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 10th, 2011.
The Indus Heritage Trust (IHT) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) seem to be engaged in a cold war over the possession of “The Potohari Arts and Craft Village”.
The controversy has resulted in the delay of the village’s inauguration, which has increased artists’ troubles by depriving them of a much-needed platform to display their talents.
The CDA set a tentative deadline for the project’s inauguration in March this year, but sources inside the civic body told The Express Tribune that they consider the launch unlikely because of a “controversial agreement between the IHT and CDA.”
According to a CDA official, it is “amazing” that the civic body signed an agreement with a private organisation for the control of 20 acres of its own prime land, while the authority’s directorate of Sports and Culture could have served the same purpose.
He revealed that Shariq Khan was hired by the CDA Board as director operations for this project, while many directors, additional directors and assistant directors currently working in the Sports and Culture Directorate could have been well-suited for the job.
Mian Wahidud Din, Member Environment of CDA, refused to comment on the issue when contacted. “Do not drag the government employees in such issues,” he said.
However, CDA Municipal Directorate chief Mansoor Ahmad Khan told The Express Tribune that they were making efforts to take back the village’s control from a non-governmental organisation. He claimed that the IHT’s illegal occupation of the village was an open secret.
Shariq Khan also confirmed this, when contacted, but refused to share the details of the deal between CDA and IHT.
IHT Chairperson Siddiqa Malik said that IHT signed an agreement with CDA to develop the village, with the former responsible for operating its affairs. Responding to a question, she replied that if the agreement was not fair then the CDA should be held responsible for signing such a deed.
The first event organised in the village was a three-day SAARC Mela in February 2009. Soon after that, the authority decided to go for a soft opening of the facility in which artisans were invited to run two clusters.
After that, three more events including Jashn-e-Baharan, Jugni Mela and Saawan Mela were held.
While inaugurating a mini crafts bazaar at the site on February 2, 2010, CDA Chairperson Imtiaz Inayat Elahi said, “The village, a landmark project, is the first genuine example of public- private partnership of the CDA, which will add colour to the unique character and flavour of Islamabad.”
The beauty of the village lies in its raft shops, exhibition halls, design centres, food courts, studios, accommodations for visiting artists, an amphitheater for performing arts, open air entertainment, children-friendly play area and parks.
It is not simply an exhibition spot but also includes facilities such as educational centres for artisans and art students, an art gallery and a museum. However, artists have been waiting for more than two years for its inauguration.
Themed on a two-week rotational basis, one of its objectives was to preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage through design back-up, advice and support to make traditional crafts more marketable.
The village was perceived to serve as a showcase for the nation’s traditional craft and handloom heritage and, if opened, will provide Islamabad with a unique shopping and entertainment experience.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 10th, 2011.