SHC chides DHA, CBC over water tax issue
An illegal hydrant being demolished in January this year during an anti-encroachment drive by the KWSB. PHOTO: FILE
The Sindh High Court has sought replies from the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) on a petition against non-supply of water to the residents of DHA.
The petitioner's counsel argued that DHA residents have to buy water despite paying taxes. The DHA officials are bound to providing water to the residents. However, no steps have been taken to provide water despite court orders.
"Why don't you take action against your corrupt officers?" the court asked the DHA's counsel. "Citizens get water through tankers. Millions of rupees are earned by supplying water through tankers," the court observed.
The court issued a 30-day notice to the Deputy Attorney General and the parties to the case, seeking response from the DHA and the CBC.
Court orders removal of KDA Sports Complex
The SHC has issued notices to Sindh Advocate General, Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) director generals', ordering immediate removal of KDA Sports Complex, constructed on a playground in Block-14 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar.
Read Census policy fails to appease politicians in Karachi
A two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the petition against construction of KDA Sports Complex on the playground. The petitioner's counsel argued that there was a playground at ST 25 in Block-14 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar. "On the playground, the KDA has built its own sports complex for officers," the counsel contended.
The court remarked that the playground should be restored immediately. "How can a sports complex be built for officers on the playground?" the court remarked.
The court issued notices to Sindh Advocate General, DGs of SBCA and KDA seeking their response to the petition. The court also ordered immediate closure of the sports complex.
Relocation of expressway evictees
SHC has directed the Secretary Local Bodies to submit the notification of appointment of Project Director on the petition of Lyari Expressway affectees seeking alternative plots.
A two-member bench heard the petitions.
Secretary Local Government appeared before the court and said that the notification of appointment of new project director would be issued 'today'. The appointment of a new project director will resolve the issue of compensation.
The court adjourned the hearing for four weeks.
The petition argued that the victims of the Lyari Expressway Resettlement Project were suffering badly. No officer was available in the LERP.
The court has ordered the Secretary Local Government to appoint a Director General but despite the court orders, the project director was not appointed.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2022.