NA body takes exception to CDA charges

Members cite delays in Sector E-12, fault CDA for failing to meet uplift schedule

ISLAMABAD:

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances on Friday described the imposition of "exaggerated" development charges on allottees in underdeveloped sectors of Islamabad by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) as unjustified, and constituted a subcommittee to examine the matter.

The committee, which met at Parliament House under the chairpersonship of Nuzhat Sadiq, MNA, took serious notice of the levying of development charges in the absence of completed development works or the timely handing over of possession, particularly in Sector E-12.

Members observed that the CDA had failed to adhere to its prescribed development schedule and, therefore, could not penalise allottees for delays and negligence attributable to the authority itself.

The committee further resolved to convey its displeasure to Chairman CDA over his continued absence from committee meetings.

A subcommittee, headed by Raja Qamarul Islam, MNA, was constituted to probe the issue and submit its findings to the committee.

While deliberating on the implementation of an assurance concerning delays in making sewerage pipelines operational in Bani Gala, Islamabad, the committee directed that the scheme be made functional at the earliest and extended to other areas of Bani Gala as well.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ICT) informed the committee that a PC-I would be submitted to the competent forum for approval within one month.

The Director General of the CDA apprised the committee that development charges had been borne by allottees due to escalating development costs. He added that the concerns raised by the committee at its previous meeting had been placed before the CDA Board, though a decision was still awaited.

The committee also reviewed the implementation status of an assurance given by the Minister for Communications regarding exorbitant prices charged by vendors at motorway service areas. It directed the National Highways Authority (NHA) to strictly monitor the prices of commodities and services on motorways across the country.