Faisalabad Roundup: Museum, FDA Auction, DC Schemes

FAISALABAD: In a series of developments across the city, the historic 1896 Tehsil Lyallpur office was opened for visitors at the Lyallpur Museum, the Faisalabad Development Authority earned Rs290 million from the auction of 13 commercial properties and the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress of ongoing development schemes.

Historic 1896 Tehsil Lyallpur Office Opens at Lyallpur Museum

The 1896 Tehsil Lyallpur office has been established in the first gallery of the Lyallpur Museum, where the office comprising the office items used by the first Colonisation Officer Captain Popham Young has been formally opened for visitors.

Commissioner Faisalabad Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, along with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne and his team, visited the historic corner set up at the Lyallpur Museum. Officers of the divisional and district administration were also present.

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner was given a comprehensive briefing on the renovation of the first office of the 1896 Lyallpur tehsil at the museum. He expressed his pleasure and wished for a detailed revisit of the Lyallpur Museum.

On the occasion, the Commissioner Faisalabad also presented a historic model of the Ghanta Ghar to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner. The High Commissioner viewed the historic office items placed in the 1896 office and appreciated the initiative of the Commissioner Faisalabad.

Speaking to media representatives, the Commissioner Faisalabad said that today is a very important day with regard to connecting the people of Faisalabad with their history, culture and old civilisation. He said that the Lyallpur tehsil was established in 1896, and in view of this, a corner of the office of the then Colonisation Officer has been established in the museum.

He said that Captain Popham Young and Sir Ganga Ram prepared the map of the Ghanta Ghar, the eight bazaars and the adjoining localities, on which implementation began later. He said the purpose of establishing the historic corner is to inform visitors about the 1896 office and the office system of that time. The Commissioner lauded the officers concerned for the renovation of the corner and invited the people of Faisalabad, especially the youth, to visit the first gallery of the Lyallpur Museum.

FDA Auction of 13 Commercial Properties Fetches Rs290 Million

On the orders of Director General Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) Muhammad Asif Chaudhry, a total revenue of Rs290 million has been earned from the auction sale of 13 commercial properties of the authority, as part of efforts to further strengthen the financial condition of the institution and increase income.

The public auction ceremony was held at the FDA Complex, and the transparent and organised auction process was supervised by an auction committee headed by Director State Management One Junaid Hassan Manj.

Commercial properties of the FDA located in various areas were offered for sale in the auction, for which successful bids were received for 10 shops of the four-and-a-half marla category in Millat Town, one 14-marla plot in Sir Syed Town III and the areas of two utility sites reserved for education and health facilities in private housing schemes.

A large number of interested buyers and investors participated in the public auction proceedings and placed bids for acquiring plots of their choice. The interest shown by the successful bidders in the purchase of various plots reflects the commercial importance of the FDA’s properties and the possibilities of investment.

Under the instructions of Director General FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhry, steps are being taken to increase the financial resources of the institution, make the sources of income effective and better utilise the available assets. The auction of commercial plots is part of this strategy, which aims to strengthen the financial foundations of the institution and improve the availability of resources for urban development projects. The FDA administration expressed the resolve that practical steps would continue for the financial stability of the institution, transparency, better administrative affairs and the provision of quality facilities to citizens.

DC Reviews Progress of Development Schemes

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Noman Siddiq, accompanied by officers of the Municipal Corporation, WASA and NESPAK, visited the development schemes under way in the city and reviewed the progress of the construction works in detail. Deputy Director Development Naveed Iqbal, Chief Officer Municipal Corporation Usman Ghani and officers of other departments were also present.

The Deputy Commissioner inspected the ongoing development works on Ittehad Road, the road near Blessing Home School (Al-Masoom Town), Ahmad Nagar Colony Road and Chak No. 225 Church Road.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the WASA authorities to complete the pending sewerage works on a priority basis so that the Municipal Corporation can begin the repair and restoration of roads. He directed the departments concerned to carry forward development activities with mutual coordination and an integrated strategy, ensure timely completion of works and reduce the difficulties faced by citizens during the construction phases.

The Deputy Commissioner made it clear that no unnecessary delay would be tolerated in the timely completion of development projects, improvement in civic amenities and the provision of relief to the public. All departments concerned must perform their responsibilities effectively and ensure the completion of development schemes within the stipulated time.