ISLAMABAD): Faculty members and trainee officers of the 38th Senior Management Course from the National Institute of Public Administration Peshawar visited the CDA Headquarters on Tuesday. Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, along with CDA Board members and officers from CDA and ICT, welcomed the 38th SMC officers at the CDA Headquarters.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that the CDA is working day and night to resolve the issues of Islamabad and to make it a beautiful and model City for the world. He mentioned that the authority is taking several new initiatives, strictly adhering to policies within the legal framework, to address the challenges it faces. He affirmed that all resources are being utilized to tackle urban issues and challenges.
Chairman CDA said that to permanently resolve the issue of illegal constructions and encroachments, modern technology is being used and satellite imageries are being obtained from SUPARCO. He added that the CDA is working on various projects through joint ventures and public-private partnerships to increase revenue, apart from the auction of commercial plots.
Chairman CDA said that the CDA, MCI, and ICT are working together as one unit. He mentioned that after a long time, new sectors are being launched to meet the residential needs in Islamabad. He said that to make Islamabad greener, the Green Belts are being protected and the green cover is being increased. Modern LED lights and digital streamers have also been permanently installed on the main avenues of Islamabad to enhance their beauty.
Chairman CDA said that citizens are being ensured better service delivery and the best facilities. In this regard, an ‘Open Door Policy’ is being followed to address their complaints and problems.
Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz briefed the SMC participants on the CDA’s administrative structure, functions and operations, informing them that the Capital City Islamabad was built according to a Master Plan divided into five different zones. Participants were apprised about the implementation of zoning regulations and urban planning in the Capital City.
During the briefing, the Member Planning said that ‘Islamabad Water’ has been established to resolve the water and sewage problems in Islamabad. Participants were informed that various projects are being initiated for the better management of existing water resources and for future water supply in Islamabad.
Details about Islamabad’s transport system were also shared in the briefing. Participants were told that the city-wide transport network includes 4 Metro Bus routes and 160 feeder routes comprising electric buses. Similarly, information on Islamabad’s transit network and bus stations has been integrated with Google Maps, and facilities like QR codes and digital payments for fare payment have been introduced.
The SMC participants were also briefed on the performance of various organizations working under ICT. They were updated on the progress of projects including land record digitization, the Islamabad Model Jail and others.
At the end of the briefing, commemorative shields were exchanged between the faculty members of the National Institute of Public Administration and the Chairman CDA. A group photo was also taken and good wishes were expressed for the promotion of course participants from Grade 19 to Grade 20 with the hope that all participants would play their full role in the development and progress of Pakistan.