LG building sees light of the day

Polls unlikely despite completion of key infrastructure projects

RAWALPINDI:

Local government elections in Punjab are unlikely to take place soon, despite the completion of key infrastructure projects by the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation.

Among these projects are the newly completed two-story Municipal Assembly Building, Jinnah Hall, and the Mayor's Secretariat, which were constructed for Rs80 million in preparation for future local elections.

This building is intended to accommodate the elected mayor, deputy mayor, and local representatives. The structure, originally started in 1995-96 and left incomplete, was recently reinforced using retrofitting technology, with an additional Rs80 million spent to strengthen the columns and beams with steel jackets. An additional Rs20 million will be spent on furniture and a centralised cooling system.

The original municipal building, located near Fawara Chowk, was declared unsafe and later demolished. A new municipal building was constructed across from the historic Gordon College, while the old site was rented out to a private hospital. On an adjacent site, the two-story Municipal Assembly Hall was initially built in the mid-90s but left abandoned.

Experts eventually deemed it dangerous, but it was saved and reinforced based on recommendations from specialists at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Taxila.

The project, now nearly complete, has been supervised by Municipal Officer Infrastructure Rafaqat Gondal. The assembly hall has been constructed in the new Municipal Assembly Building, Jinnah Hall, which will serve as both the Mayor's Secretariat and the Assembly Hall for local representatives. Currently, 90% of the work is finished, with chairs and desks being installed, modeled after those in the National and Provincial Assemblies. The building will also feature modern restrooms, a cafeteria, parking, and other amenities.