The Board of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has gone in the right direction in dealing with the water supply problem in Islamabad by launching feasibility studies on a number of water supply projects. This initiative, facilitated in cooperation with the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) group, is a step towards making certain that the capital has a stable water resource.
The Decision-Making Meeting: An Overview
In the 11th meeting, under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the board formulated some of the important policies for the water sector, which were mainly to strengthen the water supply and sanitation system in the city of Peshawar. The main concentration was to identify some of the major areas of interest in the pre-feasibility surveys, mainly aiming at expanding water sources for Islamabad city. Such research will lay the foundation for other subsequent work that is necessary due to the demands of the city.
Check Basin Using Seepage from Khanpur Dam
Among the projects being considered is the ‘lost water catchment’ plan for Khanpur Dam, where water lost through seepage is transformed into usable energy. This water, which is at the moment finding its way to the drains, may be diverted to the Sangjani Treatment Plant and become a source of clean water supply for Islamabad. This study is a testimony that the Board is keen on making proper use of the available resources to improve the lives of inhabitants of the city.
Feasibility Appraisals for New Dams
Apart from the Khanpur Dam project, the CDA board has also approved the reconnaissance work for two new dams: Shahdara Dam and Chiniot Dam. Both projects are viewed as necessary to increase the volume of water that can be stored in and supplied by Islamabad in the future. These too will be carried out by WAPDA, which will quantify the feasibility of these dams and determine their potential to respond to the water infrastructure needs of this region.
Proposed Change for the Family Suite of Parliamentarian
Another decision that was reached during the meeting involved the dismissal of the previous consultant for the construction of 104 family suites for parliamentarians. The Board has therefore made arrangements to hire a new consultant to assess this project to ensure that it meets the set standards and is well implemented.
Suitable Policies for Investors in Commercial Plots
New terms and conditions for the auction of commercial plots in Islamabad were also approved by the Board. This is among the measures that aim at the introduction of pro-investor policies aimed at boosting investment in the real estate sector of the city. Thus, the CDA aspires to make it easier to attract both local and global investors by failing to understand the entire process.
Conclusion
The recent decisions made by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad reflect a positive development for water supply and infrastructure issues in Islamabad. The CDA, by starting the pre-feasibility studies for vital water projects and adopting other favorable policies for investors, is moving the city towards a better future in terms of sustainable development and prosperity. These initiatives, combined with the Board’s witness for efficiency enhancement of the existing resources and streamlining of the projects in the coming years, will give direction to the growth of Islamabad.
FAQs
Q1. What are the objectives of the pre-feasibility studies that are approved by the CDA Board?
A1. The pre-feasibility studies are to identify opportunities for new projects and better utilization of existing resources for vending more water to Islamabad.
Q2. What are the proposed dams in Islamabad?
A2. Shahdara Dam and Chiniot Dam have been approved by the CDA Board for the commencement of feasibility studies.
Q3. What led to the change in the consultant handling the Parliamentarian Family Suites project?
A3. This decision was taken to provide a different consultant on the project so that it can fulfill the standards it deserves and be done effectively.
Q4. To what extent will the new investor-friendly policies decisively affect Islamabad’s real estate?
A4. Accompanying reforms are supposed to stimulate new investments, both foreign and domestic, by providing a comprehensible and open occasion—an auction—for commercial plots.
