CDA forgets G-9 Cricket Ground

Playgrounds and other sports facilities are essential for youth to perform and deliver in extra curricular activities that make them healthy enabling them do well academics. However, the civic agency in the federal capital with its lethargic attitude to maintain the G-9 Cricket Ground, situated near the Karachi Company Market seems to be a hindrance in providing sports activities to youngsters.
Despite the lapse of almost a year, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has yet to renovate and reopen the G/9 Cricket Ground, which was sealed by the area assistant commissioner after a scuffle between the management of a club and traders in January 2011.
The lush green ground built in the heart of the capital at a cost of millions of rupees has been left to lie derelict with broken chairs scattered across and unkempt grass all over the place, leaving no space for youths to play.
The ground was sealed by the assistant commissioner following a scuffle between the management of a club and traders as the latter accused the former of charging fees from locals for playing matches. It has tuned into a dumping space while the civic authority has been dragging its feet on the matter for the last one year, which has put the ground’s future at stake and deprived the youths of the area of the playing facility. Damaged fences and chairs lying scattered across the ground speak volumes about the CDA’s lack of interest in restoring the ground to its original condition. The youths of the area have demanded the CDA chairman to take notice of the issue. “It is the responsibility of the CDA to ensure recreational and sports facilities to the youth. I appeal to the CDA chairman to make the playground available for local people,” said Moosa Hussain, a youth of the area.
Despite frequent attempts made by this scribe on Monday, CDA spokesman Ramzan Sajid could not be approached for his comments.
It is relevant to note that four months ago, when Pakistan Today contacted the spokesman for the CDA’s version on the same story, he said the civic authority had decided to allocate money for the renovation of the ground.