MANSEHRA: The Deputy Commissioner of Balakot, Bilal Shahid Rao, announced on Thursday that a survey is currently being conducted to determine the land that has been occupied by its original owners despite being acquired for the New Balakot City (NBC) project.
He stated that the survey will also determine the funds required for infrastructure development for the housing project, which is intended for survivors of the 2005 earthquake in Balakot.
Rao told reporters that the provincial government is considering taking the project from the center for execution by itself or with the help of the private sector.
Furthermore, he also added that around 5,000 families will be allotted plots in the housing project.
The Deputy Commissioner noted that the cost of the NBC housing project, which was initiated by then-army ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf in 2007, has almost doubled due to delays in its timely completion.
Moreover, the DC added that the initial cost of the project was Rs. 12 billion and the survey being conducted by the Balakot administration demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that the NBC project is executed efficiently.
