FBATI- Federal B Area Association of Trade & Industry

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Formation of Sub-Committees 2009- 2010 - 16October 2009 - Mr. Shahid Ismail, Chairman - Mobile Nos: 0300-8239899 - Mr. Jawed Suleman, Vice Chairman - Mobile No: 0300-8246841

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FEDERAL 'B' AREA ASSOCIATION OF TRADE & INDUSTRY » INFRASTRUCTURE

INFRA STRUCTURE:

The industrial area spreads over 550 acres of Land, of which 150 acres have been embarked for roads. Nearly 2,000 industrial units are operating in the area , which was developed for use nearly three decades ago. Industries are housed in multi-stored building , structures are sheds, some of which lack planning.

However, majority of the units constitute garments factories with emphasis on exports. A special features of the industrial area evolved in the last decade is that most units have become 100 % export oriented. The factories are managed by educated entrepreneurs and members, as there is a general emphasis on product quality.

Availability of Utilities Services :

Industrial activities in the area increased many folds in the last ten years. Planning and infra structure provided for the area are insufficient to cope with the current demands . In the absence of regular maintenance, essential services are not available .The sewerage and road system have broken down completely .Cleanliness in the area has been found waiting .Proper lighting in the streets is non-existent.

Power Supply in the area:

The power supply in the area , a basic constituent of production is erratic and unregulated. Frequent interruption in the power supply are a common features. This problem hampers the production activities and has badly affected the exports commitments and performance of our industries .This has also contributed to the diminishing returns on exports earning of the country. The unregulated supply of voltage has caused colossal damages resulting in huge losses to the factories.

The industrial area requires 50,000 MGW electricity per hour against which a non consistent supply of 25 /30,000 MGW is made available. This is an issue of gravest concern. The association has negotiated with KESC many times during the current year, and result are expected only after technical appraisal of the situation. The Association volunteered to get individual power loads of factories assessed by KESC. Wherever it would be feasible, mounted electrical transformer may be made available on the basis of self financing.

Water Supply in the area :

The system of water supply for the area is extremely unreliable. Industrial units have generally complained that water supply is unavailable for as long as a decade. Procurement of water through private tankers simply adds to the costs of production. Office bearers of the association have repeatedly held meeting with the officials of Water and sewerage Board. It was decided that separate water meters would be installed by the authority in respective industrial units, which has not been implement as yet. The water Board, however continues to charge for services which are not provided.

Development of roads

The roads in the area are in in a dilapidated condition due to the absence of maintenance and repairs. During the current year, the association was able to get some repair work completed, on a self help basis. The competent authority earmarked a budgetary allocation of rupees One Million which in today's terms of cost is only sufficient to construct a road of 100 feet. The association has made every efforts to participate in the development process in the area

Industrial area as an employment provider :

The industrial units in the area are one of the largest providers of employment .Nearly 7000,000 people are benefited from opportunities of employment. A large section of the employees constitutes women of the area.

Raghib Khesal