Community libraries and gyms, once projects of pride for the Capital Development Authority (CDA), are now little more than sites of neglect.

The roofs of two libraries have blown off, while most of the gyms are dysfunctional. However, neither the CDA nor Islamabad’s newly formed local government is interested in protecting the libraries and gyms that appear to be nearing collapse.

Islamabad Mayor Sheikh Ansar Aziz, who is also the chairman of the CDA, also does not seem interested in the public service project.

In 2007, the CDA and the Department of Libraries set up mini libraries and gyms in various Islamabad sectors, including G-7, G-8, G-11, F-11, I-8 and I-10. The project was the brainchild of then CDA chairman Kamran Lashari, but the authority lost interest in the project with the passage of time.

According to the Department of Libraries, it was decided that the department would run the libraries and the CDA, the gyms. Maintenance and repairs in both facilities were to be the sole responsibility of the CDA. While the libraries are shabby but mostly functional, most of the gyms have been closed for several years.

The G-7 library’s damaged ceiling is visible as two men read newspapers.

During a visit to the G-7 library and gym, most of the gym equipment was damaged and the facility was not being used. The derelict library is awaiting CDA’s assistance for its maintenance.

Munir Ahmad, the librarian at the G-7 library said a portion of the roof has blown off, and another portion was damaged after the felling of a tree.

“We have been writing to the CDA for the last two years to repair the library roof, but they are least bothered. The equipment in the time has also developed faults and people have stopped visiting the gym,” he said.

He added while the number of visitors had decreased, some enthusiastic readers still came to the library. But Mr Ahmad said the interior of the roof leaks even though they have laid a tarpaulin on the roof, which in turn can damage the books.

Books at the G-7 library are covered with sheets of plastic to protect them from water leaking from the damaged roof.

Meanwhile, the roof of two rooms of the G-11 library blew off five months ago, and has not been repaired. While the library is still functioning in a small hall, and portion of the hall’s roof has also blown off.

A visitor at the library, Rizwan Ali, said: “This is the height of nonsense. Across the globe, the authorities take an interest in developing libraries but in Islamabad we have a library without a roof.”

The library attendant Mohammad Irfan added that the library’s maintenance is the CDA’s responsibility and “we have written to them but to no avail”.

The gym in G-11 is another story. According to local residents, the gym was provided with new equipment some eight months ago, but the authority has yet to open the gym to locals.

“The doors of this gym have been closed for the last several months for reinauguration,” said Zeshan Khan.

Outdated, broken equipment at the G-8 gym. — Photos by Tanveer Shahzad

In G-8, the library is in relatively good condition, but the gym is dysfunctional.

When contacted, Mayor Aziz said both the CDA and the Department of Libraries are responsible for the sorry state of the project.

“I will go through the MoU in which, according to the Department of Libraries, the CDA is responsible for maintenance and repair. If so, we will definitely fix all the problems,” he said. When asked about CDA-run gyms, Mr Aziz said he would look into the matter.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2016