Maintaining playgrounds: CDA seeks private sector’s assistance

Companies to be given advertisement space in return for financial, manpower help

ISLAMABAD:

The capital’s civic managers in a bid to shore up budget for playgrounds maintenance have come up with an idea of allowing private companies to use certain spaces of playgrounds for advertisement.

In return, they will provide financial and manpower assistance to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in maintaining the playgrounds, an official in the sports and culture directorate of the CDA told The Express Tribune. The official said that the authority has decided to rehabilitate and renovate playgrounds that had been in bad condition for many years.

He added that the authority had earlier made efforts to repair and renovate the grounds. However, the agency could not do so because of financial constraints.

“Neither we have the money nor experienced staff to maintain the playgrounds, therefore it was decided that certain space will be given to private companies so that the grounds could be protected,” he explained.

The official further said that out of the 48 grounds in the capital, 17 are dedicated to cricket that need maintenance. Through the public-private sharing their renovation could be ensured and the facility would be provided to residents.

Sharing the details of the project, he said the CDA has constituted a committee comprising director-general sports and culture, director municipal administration and chief landscape architect who will scrutinise and finalise companies.

Interestingly, residents of the capital city do not have access to eight out of the 17 cricket grounds established by the CDA. The grounds are under the occupation of different private clubs owned by incumbent and former office-bearers of the Islamabad Cricket Association (ICA).

The clubs charge Rs5,000 to Rs20,000 per match for using their facilities.

The official said that the committee had called an expression of interest (EoI) from private sector. Five companies had shown their interest. However, final approval would be made after scrutiny.

“Provision of benches, dustbins and other facilities would be ensured by the company as the authority will not bear a single penny,” said the official.

According to the official, companies will be allowed to display their advertisement on specific areas of the grounds.

Confirming the decision, member administration, Amir Ali Ahmed said it was a positive step for the development of playgrounds.

The official maintained that CDA will give a specific area in a playground and in return will receive staff, who will upgrade the grounds and a certain amount.

In response to a question regarding the timeframe, he said that it will be decided after presentation by the companies.  “The objective is to provide basic facilities in playgrounds to the residents,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2014.