10 building checkers to blame for 800 illegal constructions in CCB

Each building checker asked to explain 150-200 unauthorised buildings

RAWALPINDI:

The cantonment administration’s scandal against 10 building checkers has been put on the back burner as no action could be taken against 800 illegal residential and commercial constructions in different localities.

According to details, the cantonment administration had issued a notice stating that illegal buildings have been constructed in different areas with the connivance of building checkers.

After conducting a survey and collecting pictures and details of the structures, the Cantonment Additional Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) Faisal Munir Wattoo ordered all 10 building checkers working in the building control cell to submit written clarification about these unauthorised buildings. Each of the building checkers was asked to explain the 150 to 200 unauthorised buildings.

However, this scandal could not reach its climax when the AECO was transferred from the office and his successors put the case in cold storage.

In addition, these same checkers were given a free hand to abet the illegal construction, due to which different areas of the cantonment have witnessed the emergence of unauthorised buildings.

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According to sources, there are only two old grant buildings in Saddar. Work on these buildings was stopped by the cantonment board but now illegal constructions have been completed here.

In Chaklala Cantonment Board (CCB), seven building checkers were removed from their posts for not stopping illegal constructions. Officers from different branches have been appointed in their place. Engr Shafqat Hameed, who will retire from his post two months later, has been made in charge of building checkers.

The CCB spokesperson, Qaiser Mahmood, said on contact that tax superintendent Rana Saleem is investigating the illegal construction scandal. Upon completion of the inquiry, action will be taken against those responsible.

Cantonment Executive Officer (CEO) Omar Farooq Ali Malik said the building control cell that government officials involved in carrying out illegal constructions would face severe legal action.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2021.