RCB proposes increase in water bills

Special committee formed to identify surplus employees

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has proposed a 20 to 25 per cent increase in water supply bills for residential and commercial consumers in the cantonment area.

During a recent board meeting, the new building bylaws for Saddar’s beautification plan were approved to meet contemporary requirements. Additionally, a special committee was formed to identify any surplus employees.

The board meeting, presided over by Station Commander and President of Cantonment Board Brigadier Ahmad Nawaz, included Cantonment Executive Officer Ali Irfan Rizvi, Vice President Malik Munir Ahmed, Chief Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rahim, and elected and nominated members of the Cantonment Board.

The meeting allocated Rs2 million in funds for construction and maintenance, including water supply, within respective wards.

Each member would receive 250 bulbs to enhance the street lighting system in their ward.

A significant achievement in revenue collection was reported during the board meeting, with a record recovery of Rs4.8 billion from property tax, transfer property tax (TIP), building plan, commercialisation, water recovery and other sources. The cantonment executive officer announced special incentives for workers who contributed to establishing an ideal sanitation system for Eidul Azha. A total of 704 workers, including sanitation staff, will receive Rs3,000 each for their good performance. Moreover, their in-charges will receive an extra Rs10,000 each, totalling Rs2.1 million in expenditures.

New building bylaws are being prepared to meet current and future needs, ensuring new constructions address essential amenities such as parking spaces, open spaces, ventilation systems, sewage systems, and water supply. Furthermore, the new bylaws will permit two-story constructions in the eight-stage residential building plan.

The meeting was informed that the tender rates for construction and repair are being approved, paving the way for various infrastructure projects, including water supply, roads, streets, and sewerage works. Under Saddar's beautification plan, Rs95 million has been set aside to repair and renovate old buildings to their original condition. An additional, Rs48 million will be spent on shop boards of a uniform design and size in all Saddar markets, and Rs29 million will be spent on Victorian lamps, LED lights, and new poles.

The Cantonment Board is currently facing significant expenditure on its establishment, making it essential to determine the number of surplus employees. A special committee has been formed to identify surplus employees by the last week of July, after which they will be dismissed.

In preparation for Muharram and Ashura, the board is prioritising road cleaning, infrastructure repairs, and ensuring functional streetlights.