Encroachments: Traders to have input in removal policy

CDA also plans to construct new public toilets while upgrading existing ones, says Shahbaz.

ISLAMABAD: Removal of encroachments is a top agenda item for the city’s premier agency but its realisation needs the cooperation of traders, Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Tahir Shahbaz said on Tuesday. Shahbaz issued this statement while meeting a delegation of traders at CDA headquarters. He said the CDA has devised a three-phase strategy for the removal of encroachments. In the first phase, all footpaths would be cleared. Encroachments in verandas will be done away next. Finally, encroachments in front of shops will be dealt with in the last phase. Shahbaz said the strategy will be finalised after taking suggestions from the public, especially traders.  The traders’ community can play a pivotal role in the removal of encroachments which have appeared in the markets of Islamabad, he said. The CDA also plans to construct new public toilets while upgrading existing ones to facilitate traders and residents, Shahbaz said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2012.