The project, titled Model Urban Shelter Project, will give 4000 plots of 3 marlas to each family: 2000 families from the four slum areas of Muslim Colony Nurpur Shahan, Esa Nagri, Dhok Naju and Hakbahu, 1200 to residents of Labour Colony in Sector F-9, while 800 plots are still in the process of being allotted, said Capital Development Authority (CDA) Deputy Director Planning Sarwar Sandhu on Thursday.
Sandhu estimated that about 35000 people live in the 10 slums dotting various sectors of the capital. These people live in sub-par conditions, he said, mostly in houses made of mud and with little or no access to facilities such as electricity, water drainage and proper garbage disposal. The new colony, in contrast, will have access to basic modern amenities including electricity, water supply and proper sewage and drainage system.
“About 50 per cent of the [2000] families have already been relocated to the new site,” said Sandhu. “The land allocated to a family is not transferable and those trying to sell their lands will be detained,” he added. The six remaining slums in Islamabad will not be shifted but will instead be upgraded with modern amenities, Sandhu said.
The cost of each plot is Rs40,000 and are being allotted to the residents on down payments of Rs500 to Rs1000. The remaining amount, said Sandhu, will have to be paid by residents in installments on a quarterly basis.
Aasim Sajjad Akthar, chairperson of the Kachi Basti Alliance, has welcomed the decision. “Ali Pur Farash Lathrar is a resettlement scheme that caters to the needs of those with low income. It is more organised and systematic than the kachi bastis (slums),” he said, adding, “The CDA has finally acknowledged the fact that there are people living in slums. However one housing scheme is not enough to address the issue as the demand for houses is still high.”
The four slums were chosen for transfer for different reasons. Residents of Muslim Colony are being relocated due to the colony’s sensitive location- near Diplomatic Enclave and Bari Imam.
Esa Nagri was interfering with the sewage treatment plant in Sector I-9, while Dhok Najju and Hakbahu were obstructing the traffic flow on IJ Principle Road. The lands, after being emptied, will be turned into green belts, added Director Sandhu.
Published in the Express Tribune, June 4th, 2010.
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