ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is all set to spend almost half of what it had estimated it would cost to improve the roads in I-14, which need to be completely overhauled.

The sector was launched decades ago, but still does not have any developed parks, playgrounds, markets or streetlights. Two service roads have yet to be built and the existing roads need to be rehabilitated.

On Tuesday, the CDA opened bids to award a small contract to improve I-14’s road infrastructure.

CDA spokesperson Mazhar Hussain said that the authority had estimated this would cost Rs8.1 million, but the lowest bid received was of Rs4.7m, around 47.4pc below the estimated cost.

Remaining full-fledged development work in sector to be carried out at later stage, spokesperson says

Mr Hussain attributed the low bids it has been receiving for contracts to “transparent policies”, adding that this project will focus on patch work and carrying out necessary repairs.

“We will carry out the full-fledged remaining development work at a later stage,” he said.

A senior CDA officer said that with development work expected to begin in nearby I-15 soon, the value of I-14’s commercial area will see a significant boost after which the CDA will auction commercial plots to generate more money to carry out development work in I-14 itself.

He said this current project is a form of temporary relief for people who have built their homes in the sector.

A statement issued by the CDA said: “Under this project repair and maintenance work of damaged portions of streets and roads of the sector I-14 will be carried out. The initiative is part comprehensive strategy of incumbent CDA administration to develop long neglected sectors and uplift infrastructure in Islamabad.”

It said that construction activity in I-14 is on the rise and people are building on their land, which is why infrastructure needs to be improved to meet their requirements.

The statement added that the management earlier approved Rs210.6m in January to supply gas to remaining parts of I-14, and in October last year, the CDA Development Working Party approved a PC-I of Rs3.1 billion to develop the sector.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2020