March 17, 2006	Friday	Safar 16, 1427

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RAWALPINDI, March 16: Mega development projects worth billions of rupees would be launched by the Rawalpindi Development Authority during next five years. These projects include revamping of sewerage system, construction of roads along Leh Nullah, widening of Marir Chowk, Tipu Road underpass, construction of a ring road (expressway), and Chirah and Daducha Dams, said RDA Director-General Brig (retired) Parvez Mehmood Khan while giving a briefing on the uplift projects.

He said Jinnah Park was already under construction at the site of old jail. The park, which is being built according to international standards, will cost Rs115 million.

It will provide many facilities like walking tracks, children’s play area and fast food outlets among other entertainment facilities, he said, adding that the inaugural ceremony would be held by the end of this month.

He said rehabilitation of Liaquat Bagh would also be carried out, and in this regard Rs50 millions had already been released. He said a fist (Mukkah) monument of Liaquat Ali Khan would be installed at the park besides a new gate, a stage and arrangements for water supply and sewerage.

He said due to special interest of provincial minister Mohammad Basharat Raja and Potohar Town Nazim Hamid Nawaz Raja in the project, donations worth Rs20 million had also been collected.

Brig Khan said a children’s park, a women’s park, and cricket and baseball grounds would be built near Liaquat Hall.

Likewise, about Rs1.1 billion was to be spent on construction of 6-km road from Kutchery Chowk to Flying Club besides a 1-km service road, a flyover and improvement of seven intersections. The PC-1 of the project has been approved by the Central Development Working Party, however, approval of Executive Committee of National Economic Council is awaited.

On Rashid Minhas Road, a fly-over and underpass will be built at a cost of Rs700 million to ease traffic flow on Murree Road. The project designing and planning is being carried out by Nespak.