CDA will partner with civil society members for the better development of Islamabad and to improve the citizens’ quality of life, observed Mr. Maroof Afzal, Chairman, Capital Development Authority while exchanging views with a delegation of Islamabad Citizens Alliance (ICA) . The delegation discussed with him the matters for increasing the liaison and communication between the civic body and the civil society with the aim of improving the development and beauty of Islamabad. 

 

The delegation was comprised of Mr. Shaban Khalid President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Imran Shaukat President Rotary Club, Mr. Jahangir Khan Sherpao President Institute of Architects Pakistan, Mr. Naeem Murtaza President ICB Alumni Association, Mr. M.S. Abbasi and Ms. Neelofer.

 

Mr. Maroof Afzal said that CDA was considering to prepare its annual budget in consultation with civil society representatives so that budget could be finalized to meet the needs of citizens. He said the civic body was planning to set up One Stop Facilitation Centers in various parts of the city to provide services to the citizens near their doorsteps. These OSFCs will enable citizens to deposit and collect documents in Centers of their areas instead of travelling all the way to CDA Headquarters for solution of their problems and avoid unnecessary hassle.  

 

He said CDA was working to construct special underground parking facilities to ease congestion from commercial centers. The ground level roofs of parking structures could also be used for green areas or for public parks. He said CDA has decided to revamp sewerage systems of the city and install small sewerage treatment plants to deal with sewage issues. He said citizens will also be updated about status of their cases through SMS notifications. The Metro Bus Project was also discussed in the meeting. 

 

ICA delegation highlighted many issues of the city including non-conforming use of spaces by businesses, schools, kachi abadis & mosques etc. and stressed for the need of developing a workable solution to deal with such matters. It was agreed that ICA and CDA would work jointly to prevent encroachment of lands in order to ensure maintenance of original plans and identity of Islamabad.

 

Both sides resolved to work together for saving the character and identity of the Islamabad’s National Park as the “green lungs” of the city as well as preserving the Margalla Hills, green areas, waterways, parks and the surrounding historic sites. ICA would continue to support and advise CDA in making participatory decisions for the development of the federal capital on modern lines.