Illegal housing schemes mushrooming

SDA looks the other way leaving investors exposed to scams

KOTRI:

The Sehwan Development Authority (SDA) in Jamshoro has drawn public flak for its failure to curb the mushroom growth of illegal housing schemes, despite increasing complaints from the public. As many as 245 illegal housing projects have escaped official notices from the authority, while the SDA administration remains largely unresponsive.

The SDA's director general (DG) and senior officials have allegedly not attended office for several months, leaving over 300 employees unpaid for the last nine months. This has sparked protests by the staff, further crippling the SDA's operations.

Assistant Director of SDA Master Plan Shabbir Ahmed Soomro claimed that notices were sent to several illegal housing schemes in areas such as Kotri City, SITE, Jamshoro, M-9 Luni Kot, Nooriabad, and Sehwan. These schemes were warned to halt operations and complete the legal formalities with the SDA.

Besides issuing notices, the SDA launched advertisement campaigns in newspapers to raise public awareness, warning buyers and plot owners about these illegal schemes. However, the owners of these schemes have not only ignored the warnings but have stepped up their marketing efforts, selling plots and extorting millions of rupees without acquiring the NOC from the authority.

Soomro further claimed that fresh notices would soon be issued, stressing that housing schemes are required to pay Rs29,000 per acre in fees, including Rs9,000 for scrutiny and Rs20,000 for the NOC. The SDA has also sought help from the Anti-Corruption Establishment in Jamshoro to take action against these illegal practices.

The SDA has not only struggled to curb illegal housing schemes but also failed to deliver on its own projects. Notices have been issued to allottees of SDA's housing schemes to clear outstanding dues, obtain missing files, or complete file transfers. Those who fail to comply risk having their files canceled.