CDA moves against illegal construction

Seals four buildings on charges of illegal construction

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) finally woke up to start an operation against illegal construction months after the buildings had been erected.

True to their nature, the authority allowed the illegal construction to start and intervened after people had invested their hard-earned money in the projects.

According to a statement, CDA in an operation against illegal constructions in Sector B-17 has sealed Capital Square Plaza, Makka Heights, Rahat Mall and Zaka Mall.

“CDA is not only sealing buildings constructed illegally in Sector B-17, but also formulating strategy against the owners who do not seek approval of buildings plan,” the civic body’s official statement said.

The operation was supervised by Director Building Control-II, Director Enforcement, CDA Magistrate and officers of CDA and Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC).

Owners involved in illegal construction activities had been served notices in person and also through newspapers, Islamabad Mayor and CDA Chairman Ansar Aziz said, adding that finally the operation started.

He said CDA had already sealed Meriden Heights, Tuba Heights, Tuba Heights-II, Mustafa Tower, Prime Heights, Awan Arcade, Qartaba Heights, Apollo Heights, Islamabad Heights, Capital Residentia and other illegal structures in Sector E-11.

Clean green capital

Meanwhile, the mayor said that the Clean and Green campaign of IMC has reached Sector G-9.

He said the main objective of the campaign was to create awareness among the residents about their role in making Islamabad a clean and green city.

IMC is working on the welfare of sanitation staff in addition to provision of a modern sanitation system in the city. In this connection, proper shades would be constructed so that the sanitation staff could be facilitated during the hot and cold weather, the mayor said.

Aziz during his visit to Sector G-9 Markaz reviewed the performance of the different formations during the campaign, listened complaints of the residents and issued directions on the spot.

Elected representatives of IMC and officers of formation concerned accompanied the mayor of Islamabad.

In the past residents of the city always complained that civic amenities were only provided in the posh sectors while residents of low income sectors remained ignored.

“In order to dispel this impression we have started the Clean and Green Islamabad campaign from the oldest Sector G-6,” Aziz said.

He said that cleanliness drive has been completed in sectors G-6, G-7 and G-8, adding that now cleanliness drive has entered into Sector G-9.

He said that during this cleanliness drive, three days would be given to each sector of Islamabad. All officers of concerned formations would remain present in the camp office for on spot and prompt disposal of complaints related to civic amenities including sanitation, street lights, parks and playgrounds, water supply. During this drive, residential areas in Sector G-9 particularly Markaz G-9 would be cleaned completely. He directed the officers of concerned formations to ensure effective monitoring of the civic services completed in the sectors. Sheikh Anser said that provision of facilities to the residents and cleanliness of the city remained ignored in since last many years. However, acting upon a comprehensive plan MCI has started solving long standing issues of general public with the consultation of elected representatives.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2017.