RAWALPINDI, March 5: A number of development projects in the Pindi and Chaklala cantonments areas have been delayed due to financial problems, it is learnt.

Several schemes, that had been approved in the financial budget 2003-2004, have not yet been started. The cantonment board had also planned construction of several commercial and residential buildings, but these projects are yet to materialize.

According to RCB budgetary proposals, the civic agency had planned razing of Odeon and Rex cinema houses, the two public-entertainment places owned by the civic body. Modern commercial-cum-residential plazas were to be constructed at the two sites.

The proposal aimed at enhancing revenue of cantonment, thereby enabling it to improve its municipal services. But the cinema houses are yet to be demolished despite the fact that the financial year 2003-2004 is nearing its end, after which the funds, if available, will lapse.

Similarly, the old Kamran Market was to be levelled and replaced by new multi-storey commercial building. Most of the shops were to be provided to the shopkeepers already running businesses there. The market, however, has not yet been vacated.

On the other hand, the newly-established Chaklala Cantonment could not establish even its own office-building. Since the bifurcation, the CCB has been functioning in a portion of RCB building.

The civic body had also claimed computerization of its office working, especially its taxation system and water supply network. But so far, not even a single computer has been purchased for the purpose.

Setting up of a 'One-window' Cell, aimed at redressing multifarious complaints under one roof, had also been proposed even before the 2003-2004 budget. However, the cell has still not been established.