RCB backpedals on 'controversial' decisions

Following strong opposition from elected members, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board has reversed its decision regarding NOC for private water boring, the imposition of annual sewage charges on commercial properties, and other similar taxes.

A meeting of the cantonment board, chaired by President Brigadier Ahmed Nawaz discussed the mandatory NOC for private water boring at a fee of Rs30,000, the imposition of Rs12,000 annual sewage charges on commercial properties, and an increase in the commercialisation fee from the current rates of 5 per cent and 10 per cent to 20 per cent.

The meeting, attended by Vice President Malik Munir Ahmed, Cantonment Executive Officer Naseed Ali, and elected and nominated members including Irfan Rizvi, was marked by a lack of transparency as agenda copies were not provided to the members prior to the session.

During the proceedings, the elected members argued that residents of the cantonment area, who do not receive water from the cantonment board's supply network, should be allowed to install private boreholes at their own expense. They expressed concern over the newly introduced Rs30,000 NOC fee for private boring, deeming it unjustified.

The members suggested that such a fee could be applicable only to commercial water suppliers. In response, the board formed a committee to further investigate the issue and temporarily halted the implementation of the NOC fee.

Additionally, the imposition of Rs12,000 annual sewage charges on commercial properties was challenged by the elected members, who argued that the charges were excessive.

The board agreed to reassess the situation and develop a new tariff structure. Concerns were also raised about the reintroduction of property tax on five-marla residential properties, which had been abolished in 2007.

The board decided to revisit the matter and take appropriate action.

A heated discussion also ensued over the proposed increase in commercialisation fees, which are currently set at 5 per cent of the DC rate for plots smaller than two kanals and 10 per cent for larger plots.

The board proposed raising this to 20 per cent, a move that faced strong opposition from the elected members. Brigadier Nawaz, in response, assured the members that a separate meeting would be held to thoroughly review the proposal.