ISLAMABAD: Those managing the affairs of the city appear to have a knack for initiating expensive projects only to abandon them later for other, newer ventures.

The dancing fountain at the 7th Avenue is one of those projects, which was initially installed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) with much enthusiasm, but was later forgotten about.

In 2009, following anticipatory approval by then Chairman CDA, a project worth Rs93.27 million for installing eight cybernetic fountains in various parts of the city was initiated.

Of these eight, one fountain was installed on the 7th Avenue near the Islamabad zoo. On summer evenings, many residents of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi would sit by the fountain enjoying the cool spray of water carried by the breeze and the calming sound of flowing water.

Mohammad Usman, who has been selling flower garlands at the traffic light near the abandoned fountain, told Dawn: “I still remember that a large number of people would sit by the fountain at night, looking at the colourful lights and dancing water streams. Tourists from other parts of the country would also stop here before driving up the Margalla Hills. But suddenly one day the fountain was shut down by the CDA.”

Fountains worth millions now lie abandoned

He said the fountain was good for his business as he could sell hundreds of garlands in those days.

Today, the fountain is a pool of stagnant water and the dancing streams of water have not been seen in years. The remnants of another fountain can be found nearby, on the green belt of 7th Avenue and Service Road.

Fountains at the two ponds on 7th Avenue remain out of order. — Photos by Ishaque Chaudhry

“I think this fountain (at the green belt between the 7th Avenue and Service Road) has never been functional,” said Mohammad Inzimam, a resident of the city.

Such other fountains were installed at various places of the capital such as Shaheen Chowk, 9th Avenue, Peshawar Mor etc.

An officer of the CDA told Dawn: “I think some dancing fountains are still lying in the warehouse. Initially we installed three fountains, but we had to close two within a few days of their installations and one at 7th Avenue worked for few weeks, but ultimately we had shut that down too.”

The officer said the entire project was initiated in haste and the administration at the time, never bothered to think about water and electricity supply or assign technical staff for running these fountains.

“Five fountains don’t have water and electricity supply. There were several other issues with this dubious project as it was initiated without the approval of PC-1 which is why no one is interested in it,” he said.

When CDA spokesperson Ramzan Sajid was contacted, he said he is not updated on the project.

“After acquiring further information from concerned officials, I will get back to you,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2015

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