RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has started beautification of Saddar, but it has decided to utilise the funds gathered from the local traders to improve the surroundings of their outlets.

Speaking at a press briefing, RCB Cantonment Executive Officer Fahim Zafar Khan said that the RCB asked the traders to improve the outlook of Saddar area, while the civic body will construct footpaths and maintain cleanliness of the area.

“The huge billboards will be removed and no cart pushers will be allowed to install their stalls on footpaths or main roads,” he said and added that the beautification process will be expanded to other areas too.

He said that the civic body introduced universal number for the registration of complaints regarding water supply, sanitation, tax, corruption and other matters.

He said that the complaints would be addressed within 24 hours and a reply to the citizens would be sent.

“Retired army officers and prominent figures of the cantonment will form committees for the improvement of 42 filtration plants in their respective areas,” the RCB official said.

“The basic aim of these committees is to ensure the provision of clean water from these plants,” he said.

When his attention was drawn towards the development work in posh localities and areas around the army housing schemes, Mr. Khan said that the board will pay attention to all the areas under its jurisdiction, without any discrimination.

“I am not aware about the past practice of the civic body, however, the citizens should rest assured that a survey will be conducted and development work will be launched in all areas which had been neglected in the past,” he said.

For the sanitation condition of the civilian areas, he said that RCB was procuring sweeping machines for the main roads and sanitary workers will be deployed in all the areas to collect solid waste and clean the drains and streets on daily basis.