ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is functioning without two key board members.

The engineering wing, which is considered as the backbone of the civic agency, is being run on ad hoc basis for the last several months. Similarly, the office of member environment is also waiting for a regular member.

Currently, the CDA is executing multi-billion projects, including expansion of the expressway and Park Road, Blue Area Parking Plaza, and a new road to link Murree Road with Third Avenue. Some of the projects have already faced considerable delay in completion.

Earlier, a professional engineer, Dr Mohammad Khalid Hafiz was serving as the regular member engineering, but some months ago he was appointed as the regular member planning with the additional charge of member engineering. Now, he is looking after the affairs of both the wings.

“The member planning is a hardworking officer as he is not only looking after the entire planning wing but also focusing on engineering wing. He is enjoying good reputation as well, but frankly speaking for proper execution of all plans there is the need for a new member engineering to reduce work load of the member,” said an official of the CDA.

Similarly, Member Administration Talat Mahmood is looking the affairs of member environment for the last few months. The federal government is responsible for appointing members of the CDA board. The official said that government should immediately appoint regular members adding many CDA officers are also eligible to be appointed as members.

When contacted, CDA’s director media Shahid Kiani said in the absence of the regular member engineering and environment, no work was affected as both the members were working with dedication.

“Engineering wing did great job in completion of renovation and overhauling work of Jinnah Convention Centre for the SCO conference,” he said and added that the appointment of members was under process by the federal government.

“Our all projects are on tracks,” he said, adding that the expressway and Park Road projects were almost completed and being given final touches.

“Due to weather issues, we faced some delay, but everything is okayed now. Soon you will see inauguration of these two mega projects. Meanwhile, we are also all set to start two other mega projects – Serena and PTCL interchanges,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2024