27 January 2004	Tuesday	04 Zilhaj 1424

KARACHI, Jan 26: The city government plans to conduct a satellite survey of the city to expedite the development works, particularly of Tameer-i-Karachi Programme.

About 30 interested parties have, so far, submitted their proposals in this regard. The proposals are in the process of pre-qualification which is expected to be completed soon.

According to sources in the CDGK, this digital survey will be part of the TKP with the participation of all stakeholders of Karachi, which are contributing to the development of the city under the Karachi Development Package.

The purpose of this satellite survey is to prepare an accurate map and database of the whole city which would be helpful in carrying out major development schemes under the TKP, already kicked off.

"Authentic data would be available about the underground utilities, as civic departments lack such data which often results in stoppage of development work in most parts of the city," an official remarked.

He said departments concerned have no data or knowledge about the underground utilities laid some 30 to 40 years ago, especially the KWSB has no record about its underground network in old areas of the city which were laid in the initial period of country's independence.

The official cited a number of development projects, which could not be completed within scheduled time due to hindrances created by these underground utilities.

He pointed towards a number of planning shortcomings, including discrepancies in planning parameters, inaccurate maps, lack of coordination and lack of monitoring and quality assurance due to absence of any authentic database about the city.

Satellite survey based on geographical database will help in sound planning for execution of projects, to check omissions and malpractice, revision and extension of projects, etc.

Another official in the CDGK informed that satellite survey of the city was first launched by the defunct KMC but due to hurdles on part of other stakeholders of the city, this plan could not materialise.-PPI