A delegation of Defence Residents' Association (DRS), led by its President Zafar Iqbal, visited the Defence Housing Authority's main office to discuss the DHA's ongoing development projects as well as various civic issues with the DHA management. The delegation met with the Administrator DHA as well as concerned officials of DHA and Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC).
The DRS delegation appreciated the quality and speed with which the new drainage project in DHA had been completed in record time. They described it as a significant development in addressing the perennial problem of flooding and the accumulation of rainwater in DHA during the monsoon season.
The DHA Administrator informed the delegation that the laying of a new storm water drainage system in DHA, including Main Trunk Drains and interconnected Interceptor Drains had been completed at a cost of Rs 2.3 billion.
The infrastructure would provide an effective outlet for the drainage of rain water into the sea. He said that in the phase I of the project, the dug up roads were filled and levelled to make them motor-able, while the reconstruction and carpeting of these roads would take place after the monsoon season.
The CEO of the CBC informed the delegation that the CBC has replaced 3000 manhole covers in DHA this year, but most of these have been stolen. She added that missing road signs were being re-fixed in DHA area according to a systematic plan.
The DRS delegation appreciated the visible improvement in cleanliness and garbage collection in DHA in the recent few months. The Administrator reiterated that the co-operation of DHA residents with CBC staff was essential to make the project a success.
The delegation pointed out the persistent scarcity of water in a few areas of DHA and was informed that a large number of illegal suction pumps operating in the area exacerbated the water shortage. The Administrator asked the DRS to play their rightful role in curbing the menace. -PR