Two joint ventures qualified for submission of financial bids for cricket stadium in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Two joint ventures (JVs) of construction firms have been qualified for submission of financial bids for the construction of the first-ever cricket stadium in Islamabad.
In response to the Capital Development Authority (CDA)’s tenders, Habib Construction, ZKB-EA and JV of Lemar Builders, Kingcrete and BK Consultants had submitted their bids. Sources said technical bids of both the JVs had been approved and now they were in the race to get the award of the construction work.
The CDA, in collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), plans to construct the stadium on around 50 acres in the proposed Olympic Village to be set up in 175 acres near D-12 at the foothills of Margallas.
The project worth Rs11.4 billion will be executed under the Engineering Procured and Construction (EPC) model in which the JVs, besides technical bids, had submitted their designs.
Sources said now their designs will be reviewed by an expert committee of CDA, which may also get an input from the PCB. Whichever design is approved, may be with some modifications, the same will be handed over to the two JVs, asking them to submit their financial bids and the lowest bidder will be awarded work.
The sources said a tough competition was expected as both the JVs wanted to get the mega project. Both have the expertise of executing cricket stadium projects. One was involved in the construction of Peshawar Cricket Stadium and the other group was involved in the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Meanwhile, CDA has already received bids from two consultant firms – a Pakistani, an Asian with a Turkish company as JV and Nespak. However, sources said, instead of selecting one of the firms, the CDA was planning to hire only a government-owned consultant. Soon a decision will be made in this regard.
The sources said if agreed by authorities, the CDA will write to government-owned consultants to get their financial bids for the supervision of the project.
It is relevant to note that the area where the cricket stadium is going to be constructed falls in Zone III, where sports and recreational activities are permissible. However, the CDA will have to get permission from the federal government for allied work such as commercial areas and construction of hotels. A few months ago, the CDA also moved a summary to the ministry of interior for this purpose.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) in January this year had asked the CDA to share with it the layout plan of the proposed cricket stadium.
A letter from the IWMB stated: “With reference to the advertisement issued by CDA inviting e-bids for the construction of cricket stadium near sector D-12 Islamabad, under EPC mode, this office seeks clarification regarding the exact location and layout plan of the proposed project site.”
The letter questioned whether the proposed site falls within or overlaps notified boundaries of the national park.
It added, “Whether the proposed site falls within, abuts, or otherwise overlaps the notified boundaries of Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) or any area falling within 100-metre buffer zone declared as protected area under the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act, 2024.”
The letter also explained section 14 of the Act, which says: “An area falling within 100 metres outside the boundary of a national park or a wildlife sanctuary shall be considered a protected area buffer zone, provided it is state land or acquired for this purpose.”
“Development in a buffer zone, including structures, roads, buildings, or any other infrastructure or facility, shall be designed and operated in such manner that disturbance to wildlife in the National Park is minimised, read their letter.”