CDA launches operation against illegal utility connections

The move comes after a ruling of the Islamabad High Court directed authorities to take action against violators

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Sunday launched an operation against illegal gas, water and electricity connections, as well as illegal suction motors, installed on residential plots.

The move comes after a ruling of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed authorities to take action against violators.

Following court orders, CDA Member Administration Yasir Pirzada had constituted a joint committee comprising officials from the Enforcement Directorate, Sanitation Directorate and Water Supply Directorate. Chief Complaint Officer Syed Hassan Rizvi was appointed as the focal person.

Rizvi was asked to coordinate with Islamabad Electric Supply Corporation (IESCO), Sui Gas and Estate office to remove these illegal connections. Moreover, the civic body was told to seek help from the Islamabad Police and the magistrate of the district administration to ensure that the campaign is a success and court orders are implemented.

As part of the campaign, a total of 166 government houses were checked and 14 illegally installed suction pumps were confiscated from these sites.

As soon as the operation began, it was observed that some people began voluntarily removing suction pumps installed in their houses.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2017.