CDA to install LED streetlights

Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to replace 50% of conventional streetlights with LED lights with a cost of Rs200 million.
A CDA official on Monday said that initially 2,000 lights would be installed at major avenues of the city.
CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal on Monday chaired a meeting to give in principle approval to the project. Member Administration and Estate Amer Ali Ahmed, Member Engineering Shahid Sohail, the director general of Electrical and Maintenance Wing and officers of the relevant formations were present during the meeting.
Maroof Afzal was briefed that LED technology is not only cost-effective but will also help lit the city more aesthetically. The meeting was further informed that LED lights are more durable and long-lasting as compared to conventional streetlights. He was informed that initially 2,000 conventional lights installed on Murree Road from Faizabad to Serena Hotel, Constitution Avenue, F-6, F-7 and F-8 portion of Nazimuddin Road and Faisal Avenue from Zero Point will be replaced with LED lights in phases. He was further informed that estimates in this regard are being prepared.
The meeting was informed that replaced conventional lights would be converted into retrofitted LEDs and would be later on installed in the other areas of the city as per requirement. The meeting was informed that a successful experience of installing retrofitted LEDs has been carried out at Margalla Road.
The CDA chairman directed the concerned formations for immediate preparation of estimates and completion of codal formalities at the earliest.
In the past, the civic body prepared a plan to replace all the lights with LEDs with a cost of Rs8 billion. The plan was scrapped after different forums including the Transparency International raised questions over very high cost of the project.