| RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation (RMC) has decided to improve the condition of Pirwadhai General bus stand. In the last two years, five commissioners changed and after getting charge of the administrator of RMC, they issued directions for up gradation of facilities at the bus stand but no work was launched.
In 2020, former commissioner retired Capt Mohammad Mehmood allocated Rs60 million for the park. He also made a plan to install close circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the general bus stand besides construction of waiting rooms for passengers.
However, the same plan was announced during the first visit of former commissioners Gulzar Hussain Shah, Noorul Amin Mengal and Saqib Manan. Now, with the arrival of the new commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta in the offices of RMC, the same directives to improve the condition of the bus stand have been given. The bus stand is spread over 207 kanals.
It has 36 bus bays, two petrol filling stations, 800 shops, four hotels, one canteen, two banks, police check post and a post office. RMC is earning more than Rs100 million from the rent and entry fee of buses. In the late 70’s, the general bus stand was constructed on the directives of then prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta visited RMC and reviewed its operations in detail. While giving a briefing on this occasion, the commissioner Rawalpindi was informed that according to the new delimitation, the number of unions under the jurisdiction of the corporation has been increased from 46 to 78. The divisional commissioner has been appointed as its administrator.
It was also added that RMC is engaged in the city-wide anti-encroachment operation, maintenance of parking places, roads, street lights, sanitation and solid waste management and other municipal services in order to provide relief to people.
Chief officer of RMC Chaudhry Amjad, Municipal Officer Infrastructure Rafaqat Hayat Gondal, Municipal Officer Planning Shahzad Haider and others were also present there.
Mr Chatta said that government institutions are meant to provide convenience to the public, so the officials should opt for all resources to provide relief to people within their jurisdiction.
He said that the most effective solution to the chronic issue of traffic jams in Rawalpindi is the elimination of encroachments, for which a comprehensive strategy should be devised by taking local traders onboard so that it has a lasting effect.
He said that necessary facilities should be provided to people at the bus stand. If some portion of the earnings from the stand is invested in it, we can provide the best travelling facilities to passengers. The commissioner said that he will visit RMC offices every Friday and check the performance of the civic body and listen to the problems of people.
Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2023 |
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