Plan to give commercial status to residences in old bazaars

RDA undertakes several urban projects in bid to highlight Pindi’s cultural heritage

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has prepared an Urban Regeneration Project (URP), a spokesperson shared on Thursday.

The plan will include the establishment of commercial centres over a kilometre near the National Market under new building by-laws, significantly increasing the value of properties in the area.

The official mentioned that the new commercial area will also promote business activities in the future. In this regard, RDA Chairman Tariq Mahmood Murtaza told The Express Tribune that the area near the National Market, which currently consists of residential properties, will be commercialised. He added that the owners of these properties will be able to sell their properties at a much higher rate.

He also said that work on the project has already begun and soon it will start reaping benefits along with creation of new opportunities for employment and business activities.

Murtaza said that the project aims to highlight Rawalpindi’s cultural heritage by improving living conditions in the old city areas such as Raja Bazaar and the overall traffic situation in the city while promoting sustainable tourism.

RDA starts renovation of ancient bazaars

The scope of the project was discussed with relevant stakeholders to determine fair timelines to complete the projects, the chairman mentioned. URP also includes pilot urban regeneration plan for the Sarafa and Bhabra Bazaars, conservation of Sujan Singh Haveli, promotion of sustainable urban mobility and resilience strategy in the city along with livelihood opportunities through job creation and entrepreneurship projects, he added.

Emphasising the need to improve the current traffic, water and sewerage systems in Raja Bazaar, the RDA chief directed representatives of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to submit provisional costs of shifting overhead power lines to underground pipelines, such as those in the federal capital.

He also affirmed his support to the RMC in adhering to project timelines while it was decided that urban regeneration and conservation projects related to the Sarafa Bazaar and Sujan Singh Haveli will commence in February 2021.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2021.