CBC discusses rain, traffic projects

KARACHI: Monsoon preparations were discussed by the Clifton Cantonment Board (CBC) on Wednesday as the clouds thundered and rain poured in sheets outside. The CBC meeting was presided over by the CBC board’s president, Brigadier Khalid Tirmizi, who is also the administrator of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA).

Officials discussed progress of ongoing development works in both CBC and DHA’s jurisdictions and also approved a number of new development projects for the betterment of the area. These include works related to preparation for monsoon rains and clearing the area that was currently inundated with rainwater.

Tirmizi asked the CBC staff to ensure transparency and technical proficiency while carrying out their projects. He stressed on them to supervise the projects and take a proactive approach in monitoring their progress.

Various committees should be formed to oversee projects in CBC’s katchi abadis, said Tirmizi, adding that these committees must have members who represent residents of the areas, where the projects are to be implemented, along with CBC officials.

He also wants to form separate committees for works, water and lease issues.

Projects approved by the board include re-carpeting of some roads, repair and improvement of streets, replacement and refurbishment of water supply lines in squatter settlements. The board also plans to replace missing manhole covers with especially designed gray-colour manholes.

Monsoon related projects include improving the pump system and hiring rain emergency machinery that can be used to drain water where it collects. The projects also include the laying of 300 mm/450 mm pipe lines to strengthen the storm water drains.

Moreover, the board also approved the refurbishment, synchronisation and operational maintenance of PGE Traffic Signals installed in DHA for better traffic management.

Tirmizi directed CBC to clean up the Seaview beach and work on making it a more beautiful picnic spot. He asked them to remove oyster shells and other dead marine life washed up on the shores of the beach, that has stunk up neighbourhoods as far as Phase V, DHA. The entire beachfront should be cleared up, he said. The meeting was attended by other board members including the Chief Operating Officer (COO) CBC Muhammad Hayat Mahr.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2010.