DHA earmarks Rs2.6b for Phase VIII

Rs1.25b put aside for DHA City project in the budget for 2010-2011.

KARACHI: A sum of Rs4.3 billion — including Rs2.6 billion for the development of Phase-VIII — has been earmarked in Defence Housing Authority’s (DHA) development budget for the fiscal year 2010-2011.

A sum of Rs1.25 billion has also been kept aside for the master planning and development of the DHA City project, said the DHA finance director at a meeting of the executive board at the Headquarters 5 Corps, said a press release on Thursday.

The executive board’s president, Corps Commander Lieutenant General Shahid Iqbal, asked the DHA staff and management to “maintain transparency and professionalism” in all their undertakings and to “uphold DHA’s good name, reputation and credibility at all cost”.

Iqbal stressed the need to revive the hospital project in DHA Phase-VIII and also discussed the establishment of a medical college to provide “top-of-the-line medical facilities”. He directed officials to include the DHA City project -which is being constructed on the Super Highway - in the plans for the Mass Transit System 2030, which, he believed, would substantially reduce travel time from the DHA City to the metropolis. DHA should also evaluate the importance of developing projects such as a theme park and a food court in the DHA City project. This will boost the development of the new satellite estate, said Iqbal.

The executive board approved the plans for the development of DHA Phase-VIII and other ongoing DHA projects.

The construction of car parking plazas at Zamzama commercial and Stadium commercial, Delton Shopping Mall, three sewerage treatment plants and a sports club will be undertaken this year, said DHA development director.

Meanwhile, the development of infrastructure in DHA Phase-VIII, such as roads, water reservoirs, supply lines and electric works, will start next year, it was also discussed.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2010.