ISLAMABAD, Dec 14: A broad-based programme has been finalized to overcome water scarcity in the federal capital, Interior Minister Lt-Gen (Rtd) Moinuddin Haider said on Friday.

Speaking at a briefing held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) office, he said the plan had three main aspects — devising an effective distribution system, better conservation strategy involving citizens’ participation, and constructing small dams at various locations.

In this connection, he said, at least one small dam would be constructed every year by the CDA in the surrounding areas of the Capital to meet the city requirement.

The minister said, to improve the exiting water distribution system, the Authority would conduct a comprehensive survey to replace the damaged and rusty underground pipelines.

He said local government polls would be held in Islamabad in January so that maximum representation of people could be ensured.

Mr Moin stressed the need for modifying and upgrading rules and regulations of the CDA to facilitate the general public in a better way. He said the Authority had done a lot for the city, but still there was a room for improvement.

Later, he visited the main CDA building to inspect the officials’ performance. On this occasion, he said old building laws, land acquisition and disposal regulations needed to modified with a broad and public-friendly approach.

One should not be allowed to create hindrances and inordinate delays in addressing complaints in the public dealing departments in the name of rules and regulations, he added.

The minister emphasized that hardworking officials having dynamic service record should be posted at public dealing posts. On the issue of illegal guest houses and schools in the city, he said these must be regulated by the CDA under the rules.

He also directed the officials concerned to prepare a comprehensive proposal to be taken up with the education ministry for opening more model schools and allocating extra land to the private institutions.

It was decided in the meeting that Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry would be allowed to hold annual industrial exhibition for at least 45 days.

Mr Moin directed the CDA officials to establish a wholesale meat market with modern facilities at a proposed site in Sector G-10, besides improving arrangements at the existing slaughter house in Sihala.

He expressed his dissatisfaction over the slow pace of development work in Sector I-15, adding that development of sectors I-15, D-12 and E-12 should be carried out on priority basis to benefit the low-income class.