RAWALPINDI, Jan 1: The Committee Chowk underpass will be constructed at a cost of Rs275 million for which designing has already been completed, said the district Nazim, Raja Tariq Kiyani, here on Wednesday.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a fountain installed at Committee Chowk, he said Hameed Khan road would be widened to 80 feet as part of the underpass project and would be linked to the Rawal Road.

He said the district government had also planned to construct a ring road for which it would hold negotiations with the private parties not to burden government kitty.

He said industrial area would be established along side the ring road.

The Nazim said recommendations were being prepared to regularise and plan the growth of the city. The present trend of haphazard development would be checked, he added.

He said the district government was holding talks with the Civil Aviation Authority to acquire land along the Rawal Road for the construction of a sports complex to provide recreational facilities to the youth. The parks and stadium would be built with the assistance of private companies, he said.

He said the cost of the entire project would be borne by the philanthropists and no district government funds would be utilised for this purpose.

After the completion of the project, the complex would be handed over to the representative bodies of the sports.

Under the project, Mr Kiyani said, a new cricket stadium similar to the Brisbane stadium would be constructed. Besides, four squash courts and the similar number of volley ball courts would be constructed, he added. In addition to the sports facilities, a modern park would also be established.

“The civilised nations attach special importance to the protection of their cultural heritage and beautification of cities.” he remarked. He said there was a significant community participation in such projects overseas. Mr Kiyani said the district government was setting similar trend here, as the fountain project had been completed at a cost of Rs2.5 million by a company. He said no government funds had been spent on its construction.

PPI ADDS: Meanwhile, the residents of Dhoke Ratta have shown concern over the supply of polluted water in the area and called upon the authorities to take notice.

While protesting against the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), they said the main water pipeline of the area was damaged at several points due to which the sewage mixed with clean water.

They said polluted water continued to pose threats for the outbreak of diseases.