Procurement of equipment for establishing GIS Lab approved

Islamabad:The sixth meeting of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board, chaired by Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Friday, approved the procurement of equipment for establishing a Geographic Information System (GIS) Laboratory under the Geo-Spatial Technology Wing to enhance urban planning capabilities.

To curb the illegal use of official vehicles and fuel wastage, a Central Pool will be created in line with the government’s austerity campaign. Vehicle allotment will strictly follow legal requirements and officers’ official duty needs, with no exceptions. A committee will rationalize the allocation process of the vehicles.

The meeting was attended by CDA Board members and relevant officers. Several agenda items were discussed in detail, the key decisions were taken during the meeting, the spokesman of CDA said.

The CDA Board approved a third-party audit of all CDA projects to ensure transparency, quality, and strict adherence to merit. The decision reaffirms CDA’s commitment to accountability and high standards, the spokesman said.

Approval was granted for the rehabilitation and upgradation of the IJ Principal Road North service road to alleviate citizens’ commuting challenges. Similarly, the rehabilitation and improvement of the Kashmir Chowk to Faizabad Interchange stretch (Murree Road) was approved to improve connectivity. Advisory services from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be engaged to upgrade Capital Hospital and improve healthcare facilities.

CDA Employees utilising official residences higher than their entitlement will be reallocated housing as per their eligibility and entitlement while future allotments will be prioritized on basis of seniority.

A survey will identify officials illegally renting out and subletting government residences, with legal action to be taken against them. The Marriage Halls and Marquees violating the Building Control Regulations 2020 (Amended 2023) as well as in the light of Supreme Court orders were directed to clear outstanding dues within 15 days.