PM gives CDA a 4-week timeframe for improved development roadmap

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday directed the Capital Development Authority to prepare a workable roadmap in four weeks by removing lacunae in its development projects, and make itself a peoples’ friendly department.The Prime Minister took serious note of the CDA’s lingering projects, shortage of potable drinking water, unavailability of a decent public transport system and an increasing hold of land mafia in the capital. He asked the authority to immediately address these issues.Chairing a meeting of senior officials at the CDA headquarters, the Prime Minister directed to provide all basic facilities to the residents at the earliest.Gilani said the issue of potable drinking water was getting serious and stressed for immediate replacment of old waterlines to avoid contamination.
He directed for installation of more water filtration plants in the capital.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over increasing activities of land mafia in the capital that had managed to grab a large area. He mentioned that some “unscrupulous elements” had an unauthorized occupation in Sector E-12 and asked the CDA Chairman to recover the land.He said in view of high urbanization rate and rapid population growth, there was a need to set up more residential sectors in Islamabad.
Referring to the federal cabinet’s recent decision on revised zoning sectors, Gilani directed the CDA for its implementation.
The Prime Minister pointed CDA’s limited capacity to deal with natural disasters and said it must make itself fully prepared to cope with untoward incidents. He mentioned the incidents of Air Blue plane crash, recent rains and the Shaheed-e-Millat fire, and adding that the CDA was not fully capable to handle these accidents.Gilani expressed concern over the plight of Katchi abadis (slums) residents, and asked CDA to ensure their living in a respectable manner with provision of basic necessities including proper sewerage system.He also directed for maintaining greenbelts, removal of encroachments in market places and ensuring cleanliness, improving parking areas and provision of a decent public transport to facilitate the people.The Prime Minister said CDA’s one window operation must be run by honest people who could ensure checks and balances in its working – App