January 22, 2008	Tuesday	Muharram 12, 1429

KARACHI, Jan 21: The revised master plan of Defence Phase-VIII has been approved by the Executive Board of the Defence Housing Authority.

According to a statement issued here on Monday, the master plan incorporates modern town planning features including cul-de-sac concept that would help in improving traffic ability, security and architectural layout in the area. However, the plan entails minimum of plot adjustments without affecting their efficacy and value.

The meeting chaired by DHA Executive Board President Lieutenant-General Ahsan Azhar Hayat also reviewed the pace of progress of various other projects in Defence.

It was informed that DHA’s power and desalination project was passing through final confirmatory tests and likely to be inaugurated shortly.

The meeting was also briefed about the work on new drainage system in area that had been started in the last week of December 2007.

Three main primary drains were being constructed on Khyaban-i-Shamsher, Khyaban-i-Sehar and E-Street, all terminating on Beach Avenue. These drains were interconnected to numerous secondary drains for complete drainage of storm water, it was told.

Lt-Gen Ahsan Azhar Hayat accorded approval for enhancement of the non-utilisation fund charges to give impetus to early construction of houses on open plots, which became huge ponds during the last rains. He also called for further improvement in garbage collection and cleanliness in Defence.