ISLAMABAD, July 6: The city managers have been blamed for non-provision of basic infrastructure facilities in an underdeveloped residential sector I-16 that was launched more than two decades ago.
The Senate Committee on Government’s Assurances that met on Friday observed that despite development of sector I-16 by 90 per cent, utility services were not available there and as a result housing could not started there.
The committee expressed displeasure and lack of confidence in the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The meeting was presided over by Senator Syed Ghani.
It was observed that although the entire road network in the sector had been completed, a patch of 1,200 feet was still uncarpeted due to non acquisition of land from the locals.
The meeting was informed that some people had occupied the land illegally but they were not being removed by the CDA. On this, the committee directed the CDA to resolve the issue and submit a report on it in 15 days to the committee.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: The CDA officials informed the committee that a grid station had been established in the sector at cost Rs350 million in 2008 but the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) had so far failed to supply electricity in the streets.
The Iesco officials were of the view that electricity poles had been installed in the whole sector and power would shortly be provided at all streets so that those who wanted to build their houses could get electricity.
SUI GAS: The CDA officials apprised the meeting that the authority had paid a sum of Rs93.17 million to Sui Northern Gas Supply Lines (SNGPL) for provision of Sui gas in the sector but still 5km pipeline was to be laid.
On this, SNGPL officials returned the blame saying the CDA had not issued the No Objection Certificate (NoC) for laying the pipeline. They said four reminders had already been sent to the CDA but it did not issue the NoC.
WATER SUPPLY: The meeting observed that owners of the plots in Sector I-16 were reluctant to build their houses due to non-availability of water.
The committee was informed that paucity of funds was the main reason behind incomplete water works in the sector. “The CDA has laid water supply lines within the sector to draw water from Shah Allah Ditta Water Supply Project in addition three new tubewells will be installed in the sector,” said The CDA’s member engineering Ibrar Shah.
“We have revisited the priorities for development and focus is being given to addressing the basic issues of the residents,” he said.
The feasibility report and detailed design and geotechnical investigation of 25-km long conduction main from Shah Allah Ditta reservoir, which is to get its share of treated water from Khanpur Dam under the Metropolitan Water Supply Project via Sangjani, was carried out some 12 years back.
The initial estimated cost of the project was Rs640 million which later increased to Rs670.214 million and then to Rs1 billion. The expected time for the completion of the project was September 30, 2010.