RDA takes over University Town over irregularities

JIT formed to probe financial misconduct and violations of approved plans

RAWALPINDI:

In response to persistent complaints from allottees and residents concerning the non-provision of basic amenities and other longstanding issues, the competent authority has directed the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) to assume management of the University Town housing scheme. The Director General of the RDA has constituted a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to examine the affairs of the said scheme.

According to official sources, Punjab Secretary for Housing, Noorul Amin Mengal, has instructed the RDA Director-General, Kinza Murtaza, to proceed with the formal takeover of University Town.

In pursuance of these directives, the DG RDA has established a comprehensive and transparent inquiry through the formation of a Joint Investigation Team, mandated to scrutinise the scheme's administrative and developmental operations. The decision has been taken in the public interest, with the aim of ensuring accountability and good governance.

The JIT will be chaired by Additional Director General RDA, Mansoor Ahmad Khan, and will include representatives from various departments, including the Assistant Commissioner (Cantonment), Rawalpindi; the Deputy Directors of RDA for State Management, Land Development, and Town Planning; the RDA Law Officer; and a representative of University Town residents, Umer Sadiq Khattak.

The team has been tasked with conducting a thorough review and submitting its report on matters of financial irregularities and delays in development works, violations of the approved layout plan, failure to secure approval for service designs, non-provision of authenticated records, neglect in addressing residents' grievances, irregularities in the excessive sale and transfer of plots, and reasons underlying the cancellation of plots.

The JIT will submit a report presenting factual findings, identifying irregularities, and corrective recommendations to ensure full transparency and strict compliance with RDA regulations.