KARACHI, Aug 23: The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) has formulated a new security plan to improve security in the area and also planned electronic surveillance of the entire DHA in phases, a DHA official said here on Thursday.

“A total of 120 digital cameras at all entry/exit points have been installed in the DHA for surveillance/monitoring of focal points while 260 more cameras are being added in phase-II of the programme,” the official said in a communiqué issued to inform residents about the measures being taken by the DHA to improve the living environment in the area.

The communiqué enunciates the roles and functions of the DHA and the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) which are “two separate organisations working in tandem for shared goals of providing best civic facilities for the welfare and well-being of DHA residents.

“The DHA is essentially a development authority (a corporate body) responsible for carrying out land use planning and infrastructure development while the CBC being a service provider assures provision of municipal services and maintenance of civic infrastructure in developed phases of the DHA.

“However, presently the DHA is performing most of these functions in Phase-VIII as it is not fully developed yet.”

It was pointed out in the communiqué that some of the major functions of the CBC included distribution of water, maintenance of roads, street lights, traffic signals, parks, sewerage system, commercial areas, plots and all maintenance related works. Cleanliness of the area, including garbage collection/disposal, bush cutting, etc, also fall under the jurisdiction of the CBC.

“Two to three more sectors of Phase-VIII will be opened for construction of houses by the next year whereas rest of the major infrastructure works would be completed in three-four years.

“Comprehensive master planning of Phase-VII Extension has also been completed and infrastructure work of the area will commence soon to provide all requisite civic facilities to residents.

“The preliminary development works on the site of DHA’s new mega project ‘DHA City Karachi’ have been commenced while sector development works in the area will start in the next few months. Balloting for plots in DHA City Karachi is being planned by the end of this year.”

It was stated that the DHA had made concerted efforts to revive the dormant waterfront development projects and in this connection DHA land was repossessed in most cases through the help of court.

“DHA is continuously interacting with developers for early revival of these projects.”

The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) was also working on early revival and rehabilitation of the stalled Cogen Plant in the DHA to ensure availability of additional water to residents, it was stated.

“The process is complex and entails dealing with numerous stakeholders. However, lately the rehabilitation process has started and positive results are expected soon.” the official said.—APP