RAWALPINDI, June 8: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), in a special meeting on Saturday, approved Rs820.03 million surplus budget for the fiscal year 2002-03.

It also approved Rs 828.03 million deficit budget of Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa).

The special budget meeting was presided over by District Nazim Raja Tariq Kiani and attended by Tehsil Nazims of Taxila, Kahuta and Kotli Sattian, officials of the Punjab government, civic agencies and the TMA Rawalpindi.

The budget was presented by RDA director-general and managing director Wasa Yaseer Ahmad Gohar.

The meeting was significant as it approved the last budget of the RDA and Wasa that were being devolved to Tehsil administration from next month.

The meeting was informed that the RDA was expecting an income of Rs820.31 million in the next fiscal year, while its expenses were likely to be Rs796.2 million. Therefore, there would be a surplus of Rs24.11 million.

The RDA will undertake remodelling and widening of Marir Chowk and Gawalmandi Chowk next year at an expected cost of Rs50 million.

The widening of Dhoke Khabba (Abdul Hamid) Road and Chah Sultan Road would also be carried out during the next year, which would cost Rs40 million.

Underpasses will also be constructed at Chandni Chowk and Committee Chowk at the cost of Rs20 million. An amount of Rs10 million has also been allocated for the reconstruction of the damaged pedestrian bridge connecting Murree Road with Gawalmandi.