ISLAMABAD, Jan 22: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to enhance taxes in Islamabad to generate more funds for development schemes.

"I have directed the CDA to generate more funds," the interior minister, Makhdoom Faisal Saleh Hayat, told reporters at a briefing here on Thursday. If the people of Islamabad wanted to have better civic amenities, they would have to pay more taxes," the minister said.

He directed the CDA to chalk out a plan to extend tax net. However, he said the rate of taxes should not be more than that of the taxes in other cities. He, however, allowed the CDA board to take its own decisions as an autonomous body and not to look to the ministry for seeking approval of various projects.

The minister directed the CDA to send proposals for making amendments in 45-year old master plan and made it according to the needs of today. "After approval from the cabinet, the new amendments will be applicable," he added.

He said six new dams will be constructed in the capital to overcome water shortage. The departments concerned, he said, had started preparing feasibility of these dams.

Talking about new sectors, he said a summary regarding development of sector D-12 and G-13 had been sent to the prime minister secretariat for final decision.

About housing backlog, he said the CDA was planning to overcome the shortage of 35,000 housing units in the Capital. The minister said the entire system of the CDA was being computerized. "The Nadra has assured us that it would computerize the whole system within six months," he added.

In order to provide better services to the residents, he said the Authority was being restructured and new directorate of sports and culture and anti-encroachment had been established.

He said Blue Area extension towards Sector F-10 would be started soon and its feasibility report was being prepared by the Nespak. "It would be world best and beautiful commercial centre" he claimed.

He said the ministry had expanded the CDA framework and a yearly plan had been chalked out for cultural and sports activities in Islamabad. The minister said it had been decided that F-9 Park would be upgraded and a modern recreational club would be established there.

He said several other projects like chairlift, mono rail at Shakarparian would also be commissioned soon. The minister said the well-established parks and grounds would be constructed in every sector at a cost ranging from Rs30 million to Rs50 million.

In order to improve street lights, Rs30 million has been allocated and during the period of four months 100% street lights would be available in every sector.

Similarly, Rs75 million has also been allocated for the maintenance works in Islamabad. Under this plan, footpaths, streets, curve stones would be built and open manholes would be covered.