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Express Tribune
31-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Rs223m sought for Raja Bazaar cabling project
As part of the underground cabling and beautification project in Raja Bazaar, adjacent to the historic Fawara Chowk, utility agencies have issued demand notices totalling Rs 223.3 million to the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC). The agencies include the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). Following the completion of a similar project in Saddar's commercial areas and the conversion of Bank Road into a pedestrian-only street, the RMC has approved similar plans for Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market. In the first phase, IESCO issued a demand notice of Rs185 million, SNGPL Rs30 million, WASA Rs5 million, and PTCL Rs3.3 million. Work on civil infrastructure and network shifting will commence once payments are made, after which beautification efforts will be undertaken by the municipal corporation itself. Meanwhile, demand notices for the Commercial Market project are yet to be received. Separately, the corporation has floated tenders worth Rs950 million for carpeting, expansion, and redesigning of 14 roads across the city, with work set to begin after Eidul Azha. In another development, the old Rose Cinema building — constructed before the creation of Pakistan and located in front of Fawara Chowk — has been demolished after lease expiry and the lifting of a court stay. The site, measuring one kanal and eight marlas, is now under the corporation's control and has been earmarked for a multi-storey parking plaza. The proposal has been sent to the Punjab government for final approval. Additionally, another five-storey parking facility is planned on the site of the former municipal office near Fawara Chowk, where an incomplete three-storey RDA parking plaza already exists. The structural design for the new facility has been prepared, and cost estimation is underway. With three parking plazas in the Fawara Chowk vicinity, the corporation anticipates improved traffic flow and enhanced parking options for shoppers in the commercial district. Chief officer Imran Ali stated that the corporation is focused on upgrading road infrastructure and completing the two ongoing underground cabling and beautification projects to provide citizens with improved facilities.
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
WASA settles debts after historic bailout
The Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) has started clearing its long-standing dues to the government agencies after approval of Rs3.57 billion worth bailout package by the Punjab government. For the first time in its 28-year history, WASA Rawalpindi has received a bailout package to rescue it from a severe financial crisis and make it financially stable. This financial support will enable WASA to pay off long-standing dues owed to IESCO and CDA for the past 16 years. WASA, now upgraded to the WASA Authority, had repeatedly requested one-time bailout package from previous Punjab governments to address its financial difficulties. However, none of the past administrations approved such assistance. This time, WASA Rawalpindi, through the support of Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, requested the bailout package, which was approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. As a result, Rs3.57b in funds were released to WASA. With this funding, WASA has cleared Rs1.98b in outstanding dues to IESCO, completely settling its liabilities. Additionally, the process has begun to clear Rs1.59b in pending payments to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) related to maintenance charges and cost-sharing for the Khanpur Dam Water Supply Project. These payments are expected to be completed within this week. Managing Director of WASA Rawalpindi, Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, says by June 2025, WASA will be free from all legacy liabilities for the first time since its inception. This milestone will position WASA to achieve a significantly improved financial standing in the upcoming fiscal year 202526 through increased collection of water supply and sewerage charges, the issuance of new water connections, and recovery of outstanding dues from consumers amounting to millions of rupees, he adds. The MD further notes that WASA is currently providing water supply and sewerage services to citizens at subsidised rates. In addition, it is working on projects to secure additional water from Rawal Dam and Khanpur Dam, along with ongoing projects at Chahan Dam and Daducha Dam. The completion of these new water supply projects and the upgrading of existing infrastructure will enable WASA to meet the water needs of Rawalpindi's residents more effectively, the MD says.
Express Tribune
06-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
RMC finalises Rs1.4b infrastructure, beautification project
The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has finalised a major project worth Rs1.4 billion aimed at the carpeting, expansion and complete restoration of 16 key roads in the garrison city, along with an upgraded drainage system. The project also includes the underground cabling and beautification of the historic Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market areas. According to the sources, the tender for technical bids for the carpeting, expansion, and design of the 16 roads, as well as the completion of the uplift and drainage system, will be opened on May 13. The 16 roads include Ganj Mandi Road, Liaquat Road, DAV College Road, Holy Family Road, Food Street Road, Siskat Road, Faisal Chowk to Door Line Road, ICP Institute Road to Old RWMC Road, Pir Panjra Chowk to Phagwari Road, Dhoke Dalal Road, Pir Wadhai Bridge to Dhoke Dalal Bridge, Bani Chowk to Asghar Mall Road Chowk, Gandum Mandi Novelty Cinema Road, Imambargah Road, and Degree College Asghar Mall Road. However, the work for the restoration and carpeting of roads in Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market will only begin once the underground cabling project is completed. The municipal corporation has already engaged consultants to oversee the underground cabling and beautification of these two areas. Based on the consultant's report, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) will issue a demand note for the underground cabling project. The agreement between the municipal corporation and IESCO stipulates that the municipal corporation will first obtain a report from the consultants to facilitate the issuance of two separate demand notes for the underground cabling work in Raja Bazaar and Commercial Market.
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Repayments via power bills: DC fans to replace AC ones thru govt initiative
ISLAMABAD: The government is poised to launch a nationwide initiative to replace alternating current (AC) fans with more energy-efficient direct current (DC) fans. This programme will be funded by commercial banks, with repayment to be made in small installments through electricity bills. Dr. Fakhray Alam Irfan, Secretary of Power, disclosed this information during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Power, chaired by Muhammad Idrees. He explained that key fan manufacturers have been in regular discussions with the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA). As a result, many large manufacturers have already shifted from producing AC fans to DC fans. In addition, Dr. Irfan highlighted a new program introduced by the Prime Minister, which will be rolled out within the current financial year. The program, which is almost finalized, allows consumers who opt to participate to receive loans from banks to replace their old, inefficient AC fans with energy-efficient DC fans. These loans will be repaid through adjustments in their electricity bills. The committee was informed that the replacement of AC fans with DC fans could save up to 5,000 MW of electricity, eliminating the need for additional generation capacity. Currently, AC fans consume 388 million units of electricity annually, costing $25 million. Air conditioners account for 135 million units with a financial impact of $7 million, while refrigerators consume 1,073 million units at a cost of $53 million. Beating the heat, cutting the cost: How inverter fans have taken over the market The committee was also briefed on steps being taken to ensure energy conservation across public sector organizations. The Power Minister has written to all public sector departments to comply with energy-saving building codes, and provincial governments have been urged to implement these codes as well. The committee plans to send its recommendations to the provincial governments for further action. The government's target is to save $6.4 billion annually starting from 2030 through the implementation of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). During the meeting, MNA Chaudhary Naseer Ahmed Absas revealed that some guest houses in Islamabad are involved in electricity theft, allegedly in collusion with officials from the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO). He added that one IESCO official owns a guest house that is directly supplied with electricity. Absas further claimed that consumers who have installed solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are being sent inflated bills. Additionally, meters in several government buildings and water pumps are reported to be faulty or burnt, yet these consumers are still being overbilled, with the costs of stolen electricity added to their charges. The issue of recovery and losses at Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) also came under discussion. It was revealed that the figures provided by the Power Division and both distribution companies differed, leading to a disagreement between the Power Minister, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, and the CEO of HESCO. Imtiaz Gilani, Additional Secretary of the Power Division, noted that the performance of both HESCO and SEPCO had deteriorated compared to the previous year. In his briefing on the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) for 2025-35, the Power Minister stated that when the current government took office, there were plans for power projects totaling 90,014 megawatts. By eliminating expensive projects, the government has reduced the financial burden by Rs 1,953 billion. He further explained that by adjusting the timelines of these projects, the government has saved Rs 2,790 billion, ultimately saving consumers Rs 4,700 billion. The Minister emphasized that with this revised planning, the government will no longer need to purchase additional electricity, and the expected rise in electricity prices will no longer occur. 'Had we not made these adjustments, the additional costs would have inevitably been passed on to the consumers,' he added. During the meeting, MNA Ameen-ul-Haq from Karachi inquired about safety measures in place for electricity distribution in the city. Sadia Dada, Chief Distribution Officer at K-Electric (KE), responded that strict safety measures are enforced during both the summer and monsoon seasons. She explained that water accumulation caused by rainfall and illegal power connections (known as 'kundas') create further challenges. To mitigate these issues, KE temporarily shuts off grids during rainy seasons to protect lives, and power is restored once the water levels recede. Dada also noted that KE operates 2,100 feeders, with 70% of them free from load-shedding. Industrial areas are fully exempt from load-shedding. KE plans to invest around $2 billion in upgrading its system, with the investment plan awaiting approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). Secretary of the Power Division, Dr. Fakhray Alam Irfan, informed the committee that KE currently receives 900 MW of electricity from the national grid, and this supply will increase to 1,600 MW in the near future. He further stated that the provision of additional electricity from the national grid would reduce the financial burden of subsidies on the government. On the issue related to restoration of electricity supply in those areas of KP where losses are 80- 100 per cent also came under discussion. Power Minister stated that a policy be framed with the support of public representatives but in case of loss, no electricity will be supplied. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cable car, chairlift planned to boost tourism
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) chief on Monday directed the officials concerned to prepare the PC-1 for the operation of a cable car and chairlift from the scenic Daman-e-Koh to Saidpur to promote tourism. The revenue generated from this project will be utilised to develop Islamabad. He also directed to hand over developed plots in Sector E-12 to their owners subject to the clearance of all dues after Eidul Fitr. In this regard, CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, chaired two separate meetings which were attended by the Chinese consultant delegation, CDA members for Planning, Finance, and Environment, as well as other senior officers. Addressing the meeting, Randhawa said that the cable car and chairlift would be included among Islamabad's prime tourist attractions to boost tourism and the city's economy. He added that the income generated from this project would be used for the city's development. The Commissioner instructed that the preliminary feasibility study reports for the cable car and chairlift should be completed promptly. He also directed to review the safety of a cable car as compared to a chairlift to ensure a more secure installation plan. He also instructed the preparation of the PC-1 for the project and urged a step-by-step approach for its future planning. The Chinese delegation praised the CDA Chairman's efforts to promote tourism and recreational facilities in Islamabad and expressed their full support, offering to share China's technical expertise and experience. Meanwhile, in a meeting regarding sector development, Randhawa instructed that, after Eidul Fitr, owners of developed plots in Sector E-12 be gradually handed over possession of their plots once development work is completed and development charges are paid. He emphasised accelerating development work in all new sectors and specifically mentioned the need to expedite work in Sector C-14. It was reported that the road infrastructure of Sector C-14 is in the final stages, and other developmental works, including roads, drainage, sewage, and street lighting, will be completed by June. The chairman was informed that IESCO has issued demand notices to ensure electricity supply to Sector C-14. He directed that possession of plots in Sector C-14 be handed over before the final payment is made. Randhawa also reviewed the progress of development in Sector E-12 and instructed the Member Estate to provide a comprehensive solution. He stressed that development work in the mentioned sectors should be expedited after Eidul Fitr and all obstacles should be resolved on a priority basis. Regarding Sector I-12, the CDA Chairman instructed that all garbage be cleared from the central area promptly and that the remaining development work be completed immediately. The meeting also discussed the progress of development in Sector C-15 and Sector C-16. The Islamabad Chief Commissioner directed the Engineering and Estate wings to prioritise resolving all obstacles, saying he would personally visit the new sectors soon to resolve various issues.
