ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa has said that business community has been playing an important role in the capital’s development, therefore it would be taken on board in the decision making.

The CDA chairman was talking to a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry which called on him under the leadership of its President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari here on Monday.

He expressed the hope that by adopting the best practices, coming out of comfort zones and adhering to the practical approach we will be able to overcome all the problems relating to the development of the city adding that he along with his team will soon visit the Chamber House to get firsthand knowledge of the problems the business community is facing.

He said he would visit different markets turn by turn, hold meetings with trader leaders and direct the officers concernedfor solution of their problems.

Earlier, Mr Bakhtawari highlighted the key issues of the business community. He said that by sensing the seriousness of the issue of clean drinking water he himself had taken the initiative of installing filtration plants in different markets from his own pocket.

He extended an invitation to the CDA Chairmanfor a visit to ICCI which he accepted. He said he would visit the chamber at the earliest possible time to have a first hand knowledge of the business community’s problems.

Group leader Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Khalid Iqbal Malik lauded the Chairman for enhancing the timings of the ‘One Window’ to 9p.m by saying that it will certainly go a long way in facilitating the visitors.

Former ICCI presidentand Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari assured the Chairman that he will always found the business community with him in his efforts to resolve their problems.

CDA plans to set up Wasa

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to establish Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) for the capital city.

“Wasa Islamabad is being established to significantly improve water supply, sewerage, and drainage facilities across the capital. In this connection, preliminary discussions are underway to start the work at the earliest,” read a statement issued by CDA on Monday.

It said that project includes upgradation of existing infrastructure, rehabilitation and expansion of current systems, construction and upgradation of water treatment plants to increase sewage treatment capacity, and enhancing drainage systems.

Technical assistance and support for the project will be provided by AFD, a leading French agency specialising in development.

“The Wasa Islamabad project underscores CDA’s commitment to provide world-class amenities to the citizens,” said CDA ChairmanMohammad Ali Randhawa, “This initiative will address current challenges and pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for Islamabad, he said.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2024