ABU DHABI // Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, reaffirmed the Government's determination to provide citizens with essential sources of decent living and help them earn a suitable income during a visit to the capital. Sheikh Khalifa listened to the concerns and requirements of residents during a tour of Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi yesterday, according to WAM news agency. "The Government is also keen to achieve balanced development in all emirates and deliver services at best standards to all regions in the country," Sheikh Khalifa said. "The projects which the Government is undertaking now meet the international best practices," Sheikh Khalifa indicated, pointing out those services at the far-flung regions are integral parts of the overall development plan. "The final goal is to turn these remote areas into attractive populated centres and incubators for productive and services projects at equal footing with high-densely populated cities." Sheikh Khalifa instructed the authorities to tackle the issues raised during his tour. "Government bodies should assume their responsibility as services providers interacting with the needs of citizens away from the routine and at par with the highest standards," he added. During his tour, the President visited the Dhafra Meadows, which features 788 separate villas, 39 close-door villas and 400 apartments. The Dh940 million project is the first of a series of housing projects being executed under the comprehensive housing complex model. As part of the overall development plan for Medinat Zayed, the Dhafra Meadows is the pilot scheme of the Government housing projects. The project aims to revive the expanded family and Freej (district) concept, which attracts a number of families having sets of harmonious social values, culture and traditions. The project, which spans four square kilometres, hopes to improve the economic and living conditions in area by creating new investment opportunities. Works related to infrastructure of the Dhafra Meadows cost Dh173m. Construction of villas has been divided into four phases. The first phase will see the construction of 200 villas worth Dh206m and is due to be completed by the end of June 2009. The second phase will see the building of 114 villas at a total cost of Dh109m. Under the Dh261m third phase, 274 villas will be built for armed forces personnel. The fourth phase of 200 villas will be paid for by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme at a total cost of Dh191m. * WAM
*WAM