Amid ongoing urban flooding and waterlogging challenges in several parts of Islamabad following recent heavy rains, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved projects worth over Rs. 2.19 billion in its 77th Development Working Party (CDA-DWP) meeting.
Among these, Rs. 513.47 million has been allocated for upgrading five cricket and five football grounds, a move that has sparked criticism over priorities given the pressing need to address flood control and essential urban services.
Chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, the meeting cleared funding for several water conservation and flood mitigation projects, including 100 additional rainwater rechargeable wells (Rs. 185.28 million), 20 underground water tanks (Rs. 1.404 billion), 11 wetlands to treat polluted water, and RCC sewer pipelines from Rawat T-Chowk to Soan River (Rs. 88.74 million). These initiatives are aimed at managing stormwater, replenishing groundwater reserves, and reducing flood risks in low-lying areas of the city.
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However, the sports infrastructure upgrade stands out as the only project not directly linked to flood response or essential services. Critics point to past controversies involving Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, whose tenure as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was marred by allegations of financial irregularities and non-transparent spending. They argue that, amid the current flooding crisis and widespread damage to infrastructure, allocating over half a billion rupees to modernize sports grounds reflects questionable prioritization and weak oversight.
CDA officials insist that the revenue generated from these upgraded facilities will be reinvested into their maintenance, beautification, and sports talent development programs. Yet, observers warn that without stringent transparency mechanisms and public audits, there is a significant risk of repeating past mistakes, where sports development funds were spent without clear accountability or measurable outcomes.
As Islamabad grapples with the aftermath of heavy rains and urban flooding, calls are mounting for the Finance Division and Planning Ministry to closely monitor these expenditures. Stakeholders stress that, given the dual challenge of climate resilience and financial integrity, every rupee must be directed towards flood control, infrastructure repair, and essential services, ensuring public funds are safeguarded against mismanagement.
