CDGK mega projects hit snags

Billions of rupees worth investment projects hit snags due to lack of any investment policy of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK).
The CDGK, which launched several mega investment projects since its inception in 2001, has remained unable to formulate investment policy owing to lack of commitment on part of authorities concerned.
These mega project include Bagh-e-Ibn Qasim, development of beaches, water treatment plant, waste to energy, development of Parks, food street, revival of cottage industrial zones, etc.
However, very little progress has been made on these projects so far and there seems no effective strategy to expedite the pace of work on these projects.
According to details, Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim project estimated cost stands at $300 million, waste to energy around $200 million, development of beaches $800 million, development of parks $50 million, some other projects $200 million, etc.
Sources told PPI on Monday there are no prescribed rules and regulations for investment in the CDGK, which often keep away the investors to invest in CDGK projects. Besides 'one-window' operation necessary for facilitation of investors has to be introduced by the CDGK as yet. A number of investors took keen interest in these projects and were ready to invest in them.
However, they ran away owing to non-co-operating attitude and lack of commitment on part of CDGK authorities. Another factor obstructs flow of investment is absence of any streamlining in CDGK departments.
"Enterprise & Investment Department (E&IP), specially established to deal with investment projects under SLGO, takes any decision, but other day, some other department comes up with the queries, that make the investors to remain away from the project," sources said.
At the time of launching of development of parks project, for instance, the Parks and Horticulture Department was asked to provide a list of sites for parks.
"The department provided 45 sites for the purpose, but when initial modalities were being finalised, they informed that 40 of total 45 sites are in litigation, subsequently jeopardising the whole project", they added. "Absence of separate budget, incentives and facilities for the department is another major factor for delay in projects.
In addition to it, the acquisition of land for projects has to pass through very lengthy and cumbersome process. Despite the repeated reminders of the department concerned to take action in this connection, authorities have yet to come up with a concrete and long-term strategy", sources added.