FDA bans 301 illegal housing colonies

Over 230 buildings demolished, 278 societies sealed

FAISALABAD: The Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) has banned 301 unapproved housing colonies to ensure that their plots are not sold to the people.

The action was initiated on February 27. Letters have been sent to the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), and revenue, environment and other departments, urging them not to provide utility services to unregistered housing units.

During the crackdown, 201 cases have been registered against unauthorised developers and 158 charge sheets sent to the senior special magistrate for hearing.

Housing ministry took Rs23.23b from allottees

As many as 191 warning notices were issued,234 buildings demolished and 278 colonies were sealed. FDA Director General Muhammad Suhail Khawaja remarked that strict orders have been issued to the legal cell for pursuing vigorously and effectively the cases pending in civil and sessions courts.

“Pressure has been mounted by the land mafia to seek undue concessions but the FDA administration would not compromise on writ of the government,” he said.  “We will continue multidimensional steps and plans to promote transparency in the housing sector,” he added.

The director general maintained that special action had also been initiated against residents who had illegally erected iron railings, causing public inconvenience.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2020.