RAWALPINDI: The governing body of Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Friday approved Rs3.520 billion annual budget of the RDA and a Rs2.059bn budget of Wasa.

The 48th meeting of the governing body was held with RDA Chairman Tariq Mehmood Murtaza in the chair.

RDA Director General Amara Khan presented the budget for the fiscal year 2010-21 which was approved.

Out of the total budget, Rs2.395bn have been allocated for development work.

Adoption of strict financial discipline and austerity measures resulted in saving in various heads of accounts in the last financial year, said Mr Khan.

Governing body also approves deficit budget of Wasa

The meeting also approved the Rs2.59m deficit budget of Wasa. The budget proposals were presented by Wasa Managing Director Raja Shaukat Mehmood.

Total income expected is Rs1.589bn whereas the expenditures were estimated at Rs3.649bn. A major portion of the amount for expenditures was allocated for improvement of water supply network, electricity bills, improvement of sewerage lines etc.

The meeting also approved the alignment of the proposed 65.8km Ring Road which will start at Radio Pakistan Rawat and terminate at Sangjani.

The meeting also approved construction of special economic zones (SEZs), including industrial, educational, recreational, medical health, residential and aerotropolis along the Ring Road to decongest the city and set a new direction for growth.

Besides, the meeting also approved various agenda items, including auction of lease rights of the RDA own properties regulation 2020, amendment in regulation 2.5 (A) VI of building and zoning regulations 2020 dealing with apartment buildings.

Speaking on the occasion, the RDA chairman said the development authority will provide maximum civic facilities to the citizens.

He said the meeting of the governing body will be held on a monthly basis to address grievances of the public and review policy matters.

The meeting was attended by members of the governing body including retired Maj Mohammad Latasab Satti MPA PP-6, Nasreen Tariq MPA (W-301), RDA Chief Engineer Aamir Rashid, Director Admin and Finance Khalid Javed Goraya, representatives of Finance Department, local government department and others.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2020