KARACHI, Sept 2: The city government has started work on the reconstruction of the Clifton Aquarium to develop it into a modern aquarium of international standard.

A city government spokesman said the aquarium would be completed within 2 months and so far 50 per cent work had been completed. He recalled that the aquarium building was constructed in 1962 and since then it was never properly repaired nor any funds allocated for maintenance as a result of which the building was declared dilapidated and dangerous and fish species were shifted to other place.

In the past, the spokesman pointed out, many a times programme was chalked out for its repair and renovation but could not get implemented.

He said being the only aquarium in city, it was the only source of attraction for tourists and there had been significant public pressure for its reopening.

Last month, when renovation work of Kothari Parade started, a decision was taken for reconstruction of aquarium building and work started immediately.

The spokesman said repair work of the ground floor was progressing fast while first floor had been dismantled to construct a terrace on the pattern of Kothari Parade. The roof is being constructed in such a manner that it looked like part of Kothari Parade, he added.

Various colourful fishes would be put on display on completion of repair work. The aquarium would be inaugurated in the last week of October.—APP