ISLAMABAD: Community libraries and gymnasiums built in four sectors of the federal capital in 2007 appear to be nearing collapse but the Capital Development Authority (CDA) does not appear to be taking any steps to save these facilities.

The public service project, worth Rs13 million, was a brainchild of then CDA Chairman Kamran Lashari. Under this project, the CDA built mini library and gymnasium complexes in sectors G-7, G-8, F-11 and I-10 and another two libraries were built in sectors G-11 and I-8.

The libraries project was a joint venture of the CDA and Libraries Department, while the maintenance of the gymnasiums was the sole responsibility of the CDA.

Today, however, the project presents a picture of neglect. During a recent visit to the G-7 library and gymnasium complex, it was observed that most gym equipment was damaged and the derelict library building does not have electricity, water or a functioning bathroom.

Last month, Department of Libraries Director General Chaudhry Nazir in a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, sought help from lawmakers to ask the CDA to fulfill its commitment towards maintenance of the libraries.

He informed the committee that none of the libraries has clean drinking water, a toilet or electricity supply.

“The CDA is not fulfilling commitments agreed upon in the memorandum of understanding,” he had said.

Mohammad Imran, a resident of Sector G-7, told Dawn: “The gym is almost always closed; it has been a while since I saw any young people here. However, a few people still visit the library.”

He said that when the facility was inaugurated in 2007, there was a lot of interest by residents but once the buildings fell into disrepair, people stopped visiting.

A library department official told Dawn that even though the libraries are not properly maintained, some people still visit every day.

He said that the department has contacted the CDA numerous times for maintenance work but to no avail.

“Except the library in I-8, most buildings do not even have furniture. When it rains, water leaks from the ceilings, damaging books,” he said.

CDA spokesperson Ramzan Sajid told Dawn that after their establishment, the CDA had handed over the libraries to the libraries department while the gyms are being maintained by the CDA’s sports and culture department.

“I am not aware of the current state of these facilities,” he said.

Sports and Culture Director General Asif Shahjahan told Dawn that he was not sure if the gyms were under his administrative control. “After Eid, I will look into the project and try my best to upgrade it,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2015

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