Centre, Punjab to fund RCB uplift projects

Board continues to grapple with financial crunch

RAWALPINDI:

Federal and Punjab government funds will be used to execute development projects in the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board's (RCB) 10 wards amid mounting financial challenges.

According to sources, RCB is facing financial strain due to expenditures far exceeding revenues.

It has resulted in delays in workers' salaries for December 2024.

Sources said initiatives have been commenced in four wards of the cantonment board.

The RCB has struggled with delayed salary payments for months, a problem exacerbated by stagnant revenues. Employees endured hardships as December's salaries were postponed into the New Year.

In response, Cantonment Executive Officer (CEO) Ali Irfan Rizvi issued an advisory to ensure 100 per cent revenue recovery and curb unnecessary expenditures. CEO Rizvi has taken personal oversight of these measures.

Assistant Secretary Rashid Saqib assured that salaries for February will be disbursed between February 1 and 5, citing recent improvements in revenue recovery due to intensified monitoring.

To alleviate the financial strain and address pressing infrastructure issues, MNA Malik Abrar Ahmed has initiated development projects using funds from the federal and Punjab governments.

These include road construction, sewerage system upgrades, and water supply improvements in 10 wards of RCB and four wards of RCB.

Ahmed revealed that each ward will see the construction of one to three underground water tanks, tailored to local needs, to enhance water supply systems.

Additionally, a mega project funded by the federal government is underway to lay new gas pipelines, aimed at boosting gas pressure across the cantonment areas, he said. Key road repairs and expansions are also progressing, including Range Road, Bhata Chowk, Dhoke Gujaran Chowk, and IJP Road to Chak Madad Bridge.

"In areas like Naseerabad, British Homes, Qasimabad, Mughalabad and Dhoke Syedan, 20 underground water tanks are being constructed to improve water distribution. With a federal grant of Rs250 million, Rs170 million is allocated to RCB's 10 wards, while Rs80 million is designated for Chaklala's four wards."

Development plans are being finalised in consultation with elected representatives.

MNA Ahmed stated that efforts are concentrated on ensuring basic civic amenities for residents.

Collaboration with Station Commander Brigadier Ahmad Nawaz and CEO Rizvi has been instrumental in aligning development priorities.