THIS is with reference to the report ‘CDA chief wants cycling tracks set up in Diplomatic Enclave at earliest’ (May 13). The last chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had launched the construction of cycling track in Islamabad in December 2022, and PC-1 for Rs2.8 billion was accordingly approved for the project.

Supposedly the track alongside Khayaban-i-Iqbal and Jinnah Avenue would have also catered to the need of the not-so-privileged class of officegoers who have to commute daily to and from these areas. However, the new chairman has proposed that the cycling track should also include the Diplomatic Enclave. Will the track be accessible to the common man or only cater to the one per cent elite?

The project cost would thus not only go up, but its completion period would also be extended, with the change in plan and priorities. I am just wondering why should we blame the contractors and the executioners of the project for the delay in completion and escalation in overheads when the planners at fault.

Ibna Ismail
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2024