ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) board has asked the engineering wing to take steps for resolving issues related to the construction of the ladies club in G-10, a project lying abandoned for the last 11 years.

The construction of the building on two acres was completed in 2010 but since then no step has been taken to complete the project.

Sources said the engineering wing placed the issue before the CDA board which met a few days ago, requesting it for permission to float fresh tenders to complete the work.

The sources said the board members were of the view that the engineering wing was dealing with the issue on its own as the board was not supposed to make such a decision. However, the board directed the engineering wing to take steps like revision of PC-I and resolve the issue for early start of the work.

“Majority of board members were of the view that the summary should not have been placed before the board and the matter should be resolved by the engineering wing itself,” said a board member.

CDA officials said the project had been facing an inordinate delay and resources worth around Rs300 million had already been spent on it.

The design of the club building included two wedding halls, a mini-cinema, swimming pool, coffee shops, restaurants, library, squash and tennis courts and a gym.

The officials said contract of the project was awarded in 2006-7 at Rs182.8 million and work was started in January 2007. But the project was suspended later and the building was redesigned by a consultant.

Two additional basement floors were added to the original plan and the cost was revised to Rs335.7 million. However, finishing touches inside the structure were halted due to financial constraints.

The officials said a few months ago, the Public Accounts Committee while hearing an audit para had directed the CDA to complete the project.

It is amongst those controversial and ill-planned projects which were launched by the CDA many years ago.

The other projects included an art and craft village in Shakarparian, culture complex Shakarparian and citizen club F-9. These projects faced several inquiries.

However, the civic agency has decided to revive F-9 Club project with a new name.

The building will be used as a convention and culture centre.

Recently, the CDA also announced its plan for revival of the art and craft village where all shops and food stalls will be auctioned.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2021