The cash-strapped Capital Development Authority (CDA) is desperately looking for private investment in implementing its mega-projects focusing on conservation of water and energy.
Speaking at a press conference at the Jinnah Convention Centre on Tuesday, CDA Chairman Farkhand Iqbal said that after approval of the proposed plans CDA will be made “financially stable, so it can carry out development activities at a faster pace”.
He said that to achieve this goal all available resources will be utilised efficiently, while viable foreign investments will also be encouraged.
Iqbal said the multi-billion rupee project to replace conventional streetlights with energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) bulbs is a “necessity” for the capital city.
He said that a project to utilise the city’s waste to generate electricity is also in the making that will address two major city issues of waste management and power generation.
The project will generate 15 to 18 megawatts of electricity, minimising dependency on the Water and Power Development Authority, he added.
He also announced to ensure water supply from Tarbela and the replacement of old pipelines in the city. These pipes are almost 40 years old and result in the loss of almost 60% of potable water, according to some estimates.
The chairman stressed the need for the civic body to initiate joint ventures for the development of new sectors in the city, a strategy that is currently prohibited under CDA bylaws. He said a bill regarding amendments in the CDA’s bylaws is pending before the Cabinet Division, which after approval, would put the CDA in a position to develop new sectors.
Speaking of recent development, he said that development work in sector I-11 has been initiated, while negotiations with the locals are underway to find amicable solution to the minor issues that remain. He added that they are prioritising the development of sectors I-14, I-15, I-16, D-12 and E-12.
The chairman, however, did not even mention the proposed mass transit system or the much needed landfill site for the city.
Responding to a question about the recently-formed Prime Minister’s Task Force on CDA he said that “no one is creating hurdles in my day-to-day business”. He added that he will not tolerate a parallel authority.
He promised concrete measures for the up-gradation of smaller markets, removal of encroachments, improvement of sanitation services and the promotion of economic activities.
He said that the authority will initiate multipurpose modern shopping malls at appropriate locations around the city to promote Islamabad as a regional business hub.
He promised to set up proper parking lots near markets and said fines will be imposed on illegal parking. He added that anti-littering awareness campaign would be extended to the G and I sectors and that fines will be imposed on violators.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2012.
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