CDA, Chinese embassy discuss diplomatic facilitation, rainwater harvesting in federal capital

ISLAMABAD, Mar 26 (APP):Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Thursday met Chinese embassy Counsellor Zhao Yang to discuss issues concerning the diplomatic community, bilateral cooperation and a proposed rooftop rainwater harvesting initiative in the federal capital.

The meeting, held at CDA Headquarters, was also attended by Chinese embassy administration head Sun Mingji and attaché Yao Delong, as well as CDA Board Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafiz, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza and other senior officials.

According to a statement, Randhawa assured the Chinese side of the CDA’s full cooperation in facilitating the diplomatic community, particularly the Chinese embassy.

During the meeting, the CDA chairman said the authority had taken an important initiative on rooftop rainwater harvesting in Islamabad and suggested that the model could be introduced at embassies and in residential areas of the Diplomatic Enclave.

He said the measure could help improve groundwater recharge and address water scarcity in the capital.

The Chinese counsellor welcomed the proposal and expressed willingness to take the lead by implementing the initiative at the Chinese embassy, the statement said.

Randhawa said the CDA was ready to provide guidance and facilitation for the project.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in landscaping and horticulture. The Chinese counsellor appreciated the CDA’s efforts for beautification, landscaping and tree plantation in Islamabad.

Randhawa said there was room for further Pakistan-China cooperation in landscaping and horticulture, including possible Chinese support and technical guidance for the Gardenia Hub model nursery and the capital’s horticulture sector.