December 9, 2003	Tuesday	Shawwal 14, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 8: The government has turned down the request of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) regarding release of Rs40 million fund needed to make arrangements for the Saarc summit, a source in the CDA told Dawn on Monday.

The source said the CDA, which has started beautification of the capital and maintenance work of roads for the summit, had demanded Rs40 million to meet the expenses. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had refused to release the required funds.

The source said: “Before initiating the beautification work the ministry had assured the CDA that all expenses of the summit would be borne by it.”

Following the foreign ministry’s refusal, the authority has decided to meet the expenditure by cutting down its maintenance budget, which it spends on maintenance of government offices and official accommodation of civil servants.

The source said due to faulty policies of the CDA engineering wing, the condition of government houses had dilapidated, and if funds were not utilized in the current fiscal year, the condition would further deteriorate.

He said the engineering wing had made an estimate of Rs17 million for maintenance work, while the directorates of municipal administration, sanitation and environment estimated Rs10 million each.

Meanwhile, CDA Chairman Kamran Lashari presided over a meeting at the authority’s headquarters to review the beautification plan. Mr Lashari emphasized the need for improving green patches in the vicinity of the Convention Centre through floriculture. He asked the environment wing of the authority to prepare a comprehensive plan for plantation of spring flowers after Eidul Azha.