The Capital Development Authority (CDA) bylaws allow the construction of only basement plus ground floor in auto and steel markets in Islamabad while the trend of multi-storey commercial buildings was on the rise in the world and CDA should make necessary amendments in its building bylaws to cater to the current business needs of traders by allowing ground plus first floor in auto and steel markets, said Acting Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Muhammad Shakeel Munir while addressing traders during the inauguration of Chaudhry Autos in G-7/1, Islamabad.
He said that CDA had allotted commercial plots in I-10/3, Islamabad in 1996 to bring all auto and steel businesses at one location but allocation of many such plots was yet to be done and CDA should allocate all remaining auto and steel plots to honour its commitment. He urged that CDA should resolve the problems of auto and steel markets on priority basis and bring this market at par with international standards to facilitate the growth of business activities.
He further said that business community played major role in developing Islamabad and they were also making important contribution to strengthening the local economy. Therefore, CDA should take initiatives to create a conducive business environment by solving problems of trades and industry.
He emphasised that government should give representation to sitting President of ICCI in CDA Board to take better care of the interests of business community in CDA’s policy making processes. He was of the view that close collaboration between ICCI and CDA would contribute positively towards making Islamabad a well-developed and modern city. He assured the traders that ICCI would highlight their issues at all relevant forums for urgent redress so that they could feel facilitated in promoting business activities.
ICCI Vice President Muhammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha said that the commercial centres in Islamabad were facing many problems including choked sewerage lines, broken roads and foot paths and non-availability of parking, filtration plants and toilets in many markets. He called upon the CDA to address these issues on priority. He said CDA should improve basic infrastructure in markets, which would help in boosting trade activities.
