ISLAMABAD:Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt General Muhammad Afzal on Sunday vowed to accelerate pace of work on construction of New Bala Kot city project.
He said, in this regard, new financial models will be presented to Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding availability of funds.
He expressed these views while talking to media during his visit to Bala Kot to review the latest situation on the project.
When asked the completion of this old project, Chairman NDMA said that he was determined to clear the backlog as early as possible and wanted to assure the locals that he would leave no stone unturned to achieve the task.
He said he was fully aware of the difficulties and problems being faced by the locals due to incompletion of the project.
He said all the impediments would be removed that have created different problems in completion of the project and rehabilitation of the residents of the area, which have suffered a great loss due to natural calamity.
“In six months ‘Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority’ (ERRA) will hand over two thousand developed plots to the district administration, which will be allotted to the people”, he revealed.
He said financial plans and models will be presented to the PM and Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said ERRA want to take on board all the stakeholders before moving ahead and with the spirit of consensus and whole heartedness of the local population, the process can be fast tracked. “The area is blessed with huge potential of tourism that can prove to be a fate changer for the people and this city”, he added.
To a question, he said NDMA was working on measures that may help reduce risks of disasters and a better mechanism to protect people in case of any such catastrophe. “This work plan report expected to be prepared in four to six month”, he said.
Commissioner Hazara on the occasion briefed that fifteen thousand acres of land has been acquired for the construction of New-Bala Kot city project and there are some disputes on seven hundred and thirty three kanals, where some litigants have approached the High Court.
He said a committee has been tasked to mediate with the complainants to resolve the issue amicably. Project Director (PD) told the meeting of the details of plots, saying Sector-A has 151, Sector-B has 17, Sector-C has 24 and Sector-D has 38 plots where development was underway.
Chairman NDMA directed the concerned officers to convene a meeting of all stakeholders including provincial, district officials, Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) and people who have reservations regarding construction of New Bala Kot City.
Answering a question, Lt General Muhammad Afzal said we have started a comprehensive study that is aimed to enhance response and reaction time in case of any disaster or emergency situation. “This study will further enable us to build the capacity of the response teams and provide quick relief operations in emergencies”, he said.
“Completion of this project is primary focus and I have instructed my team to complete task as early as possible. Completion of the project will be highly beneficial for the local population”, Chairman NDMA said.
He said with the support and understanding of the local population we will complete the task. We believe that with the help and support of the local people and efficient team we can do wonders.
To another query, he said Supreme Court directions will be followed regarding New Bala Kot City Development Project of Bakrial Sectors and all the complaints will be addressed accordingly.
Earlier on his arrival, Chairman NDMA was warmly welcomed and received by Commissioner Hazara Division Syed Rizwan-ul-Islam along with provincial and district high officials of ERRA and PERRA.