ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has put forth a proposal to take over certain functions of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), specifically the management of parking lots and outdoor advertisements, to enhance revenue generation.
The proposal has recently been approved by the CDA board and will be presented to the federal government for consideration.
According to sources, the CDA argues that assuming control of parking facilities would enable better regulation through its building control division, while the responsibility for outdoor advertisements on CDA assets should be transferred to the civic agency.
The details suggest that the CDA will highlight the need for additional funds from the federal government to support ongoing development projects, which currently amount to over Rs. 50 billion.
The move comes after the federal government returned several directorates to the administrative control of the CDA in 2020, aiming to ensure efficient service delivery and address the challenges faced by citizens in the capital city.
Initially established in 2016 following local government elections, the MCI underwent a partial devolution of more than 20 CDA directorates.
However, due to neglect from previous governments and a lack of clear rules and financial support, the MCI struggled to function effectively.
The federal government passed a new local government Act for Islamabad in February of this year, paving the way for upcoming elections.
Despite two announced schedules last year, the Elections Commission of Pakistan has faced delays in conducting the polls, possibly due to economic challenges and inflation concerns.
Nevertheless, the government has taken steps to improve the lives of citizens in Islamabad, with several ongoing mega-development projects and initiatives.
Additionally, the CDA has launched a Rs. 10 billion mega projects to facilitate development across all union councils in rural areas.
In the absence of an elected mayor, the deputy commissioner of Islamabad has been overseeing MCI affairs as the administrator, necessitating periodic extensions by the government.
Source: DAWN
