Improvement of work: Traders seek representation in CDA board

Call to address Kahuta Triangle Industrial Estate’s problems.

ISLAMABAD:

Traders have sought representation in the Capital Development Authority (CDA) board so they can have a say in the framing of policies and decision making.

While talking to The Express Tribune on Saturday, the newly-elected president of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)) Zafar Bakhtawari said they have written a letter to the new CDA chief, asking for representation of traders in the CDA board of directors.

This, he said, will help in creating a bridge between the citizens and the civic agency to understand the burgeoning problems of the city and giving their input in the policy making and decision-making process of mega projects.

The ICCI chief hoped that CDA Chairman Syed Tahir Shahbaz will take concrete steps in improving the industrial and civic facilities in Islamabad and address the issues of traders and industrialists.

He said the ICCI will actively play its role in the development of various projects, including the stalled sectors and improvement of the city infrastructure and environment.

The ICCI has assured that the long-awaited Kahuta Triangle Industrial Estate will be reactivated and completed and pollution generating industrial units will be shifted from the city limits to the industrial estate. A team of Kahuta Triangle Industrial Association, led by its President Ajaz Ibrahim Memon called on the new office-bearers to apprise them of the estate’s issues.

Bakhtawari expressed concern at apathy of CDA in addressing their problems and termed it a major hurdle in promoting industrial activities in the estate. He urged the CDA to provide water, drainage system, repair roads and streetlights and widen the main Kahuta road.

ICCI officials also expressed the view that the business representatives must be included at highest policy making level to bring back foreign investment to the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2012.