CDA initiates work on upgrading grounds

[Salman]

ISLAMABAD: In an effort to uplift sports activities in the city, the Capital Development Authority has started work to upgrade different sports grounds in the capital. Under this project, different sports grounds will not only be upgraded with the collaboration of the private sector, but their daily maintenance and provision of all facilities will also be the responsibility of private companies. Earlier, these grounds could not be maintained properly because of lack of funds with the civic agency.
Moreover, maintenance of the grounds, cutting of grass on a regular basis, provision of security and sanitary staff, beautification, provision of electricity and payment of electricity dues on regular basis will be done by the said companies.
The provision of well-designed benches, dustbins and allied facilities are also being ensured by the concerned companies and CDA will not bear any cost on the maintenance of these grounds, a press release said.
In response, these companies are allowed to display their advertisement on specific places in these grounds without disturbing the beautification and it is also being ensured that these advertisements may not create a hurdle for sports activities. The funds generated through this advertisement would be used on the maintenance of these grounds.
CDA has also planned to hold tournaments of traditional games including tent pegging and kabadi tournaments in addition to hockey, cricket, football, basketball, lawn tennis and shooting ball tournaments in Islamabad to provide healthy sports and recreational activities to its residents.
A seven day Ten Pin Bowling Championship organised by Sports Culture and Tourism Directorate of Capital Development Authority with the collaboration of Pakistan Ten Pin Bowling Federation concluded on Saturday. As many as 120 players — in the categories of male, female, single, double and in teams—participated in the championship. Prizes were distributed amongst the winners following the competition.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2015.