ISLAMABAD: With the investment of Rs200 million to establish road networks in D-12, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to generate billions of rupees from the sale of commercial plots in the sector.

However, work on main roads linking D-12 with other sectors has been stalled for almost five years.

The CDA has earmarked Rs200 million in the current budget for the development of different roads, especially the approach roads to Sector D-12.

“Out of the Rs200 million for the infrastructure development, key roads worth Rs90 million are to be built by the CDA, especially the road linking E-11 with D-12 which is in shambles for years,” CDA spokesman Asim Khichi added.

The management of the CDA is expecting to gain billions of rupees from the sale of commercial plots after developing the road networks in the sector.

CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal while addressing senior officials of the civic agency on Thursday said funds had also been allocated to develop Sector D-12 markaz as it would facilitate the residents besides helping promote the commercial activity in the capital.

Meanwhile, member estate Amer Ali said the money obtained from the auction of commercial plots not only in the D-12 Markaz but also in other markets would help the civic body conduct maintenance works in the developed sectors.

“There are a large number of complaints regarding the need for infrastructure development in the developed sectors like G-8, G-9 and G- and the revenue generated from such auctions would be used to rectify these complaints,” Mr Ali added.

The meeting estimated that the road works would be completed within one month, encouraging the investors to enter the D-12 sector. However, the track record of the CDA speaks otherwise.

Sources in the civic body said even the chairman stated that despite the availability of funds delaying tactics would not be tolerated in the development projects. But the CDA spokesman negated the impression and said the authority had cleared many projects in the recent past.

“There was no progress on the Kashmir Highway project for years but now it has been completed in six months. Similarly, work is set to start on Park Enclave and other projects are also in pipeline,” Mr Khichi added.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2014