ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed on Saturday expressed dissatisfaction over delay and slow pace of work on the reconstruction of Attaturk Avenue.

During a visit to the site, he directed for speedy completion of the project.

Mr Ahmed was informed that the pace of work remained slow due to certain issues related to electricity and water supply lines.

The CDA chief directed the concerned officers to coordinate with the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) for immediate shifting of the electricity lines. The water supply wing of the civic agency was directed to shift the lines.

He said completion of Attaturk Avenue, commonly known as Embassy Road, would help ease traffic congestion in the area.

The project was started in 2017 but stopped for almost a year because of criticism over cutting of trees. Finally, an environment protection tribunal allowed the project but Iesco said it cannot remove the cables without getting paid.

According to the PC-1, the CDA is to expand the road from Khayaban-i-Suharwardy to Ayub Chowk near Marriott Hotel.

A 24-foot lane and a nine-foot shoulder will be added to the road and a bridge and two box culverts are also part of the project.

The project worth Rs235 million was to be completed in August this year but is expected to be ready in September.

Encroachments removed

The enforcement directorate of the CDA on Saturday carried out an operation in Tarnol and razed several illegal constructions and encroachments established on state land.

Heavy machinery was used to demolish the illegal constructions established on 100 kanals. At least 110 rooms and shops being used for residential and commercial purposes were also demolished.

An official of the CDA requesting not to be quoted said the authority had decided to start an operation against encroachment in E-12 and Park Road.

“There are a number of stalled projects but for years no one bothered to start working on them. Resources were available but there was lack of will to complete the projects. We have also decided to start development work in different sectors,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2019