Islamabad: Capital Development Authority (CDA) is currently so strapped for cash that it is having difficulties in executing some major development projects.
With no end to current financial crunch in sight, the distraught CDA intends to ask the federal government for funding for the purpose, it is learnt.
Sources in the CDA have informed Daily Times that said the projects suffering from shortage of funds include installation of computerised traffic signals, improvement of decades old water supply system, launch of Rapid Mass Transit System (RMTS), construction of Islamabad Expressway from Koral to Rawat, and that of Kashmir Highway from Peshawar Morr to GT Road.
According to sources, the CDA made no specific allocations in the current fiscal budget for development projects and rather, allocated funds to wings. They said PC-1 of many projects had been prepared but delay in release of funds by the wings concerned was delaying work on them.
They said computerised traffic signals and security cameras in the city had been awaiting installation for over a year. They said under the plan approved by its board, the CDA was to install around 60 computerised traffic signals and 300 security cameras to monitor vehicular traffic and improve security in the city.
The sources said the CDA (Water Supply Wing) had prepared a PC-1 of Rs 10 billion for up-grades of the capital’s decades old waterlines and sewerage system and sent it to the Finance Wing for release of funds. However, the sought-after funding has yet be provided to the Water Supply Wing and thus, delaying the project.
They said the CDA would hire a firm of international standard to execute the project by using ‘no digging’ technology.
The sources said according to the PC-1, meter system would also be introduced in the city to control growing water losses. They said the project’s completion would ensure round-the-clock water supply to people.
As for the RMTS to be launched for Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sources said the CDA had yet to allocate funds for preparing feasibility study. And even the hiring of a consultant for the purpose has yet to be done. Under the plans, the service is meant to provide a decent, modern transport system to the twin city commuters. Currently, private transport vehicles totaling around 1,6000 are a major means of mobility within and between the two cities.
When contacted, Ramzan Sajid, a spokesman for the CDA, confirmed that financial constraints were hindering smooth execution of many projects. He said the CDA would soon request the government for provision of funds to ensure timely completion of schemes.
