LDA merges two branches of its Estate Management

LDA) has merged its Directorates of Estate Management in its ongoing drive to cut departmental expenditures.

LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has merged its Directorates of Estate Management (I) and (II) in its ongoing drive to cut departmental expenditures.

The decision was taken by LDA director, Umer Rasool, through order No LDA/ ADMN/ PS1061. Qasir Saleem has been posted as the director of the new body.

The LDA had earlier downsized its Directorate of Land Development (DLD) on August 25, 2010, merging its four branches into two.

The Directorate of Estate Management was divided into two by the former LDA director, Shahid Mehmood, in January 2009, an LDA official told The Express Tribune.

He said that the directorate was originally established to take action against land grabbers. It was mandated to demolish buildings, in LDA controlled areas, that violated building rules and zone regulations and to reclaim land from the possession of illegal occupants.

“It is also responsible for auctioning surplus materials and structures,” the official said. He added that the directorate was authorised to sign agreements for the sale of all types of plots in accordance with the introductions, orders and policies adopted by the authority.

The official said that the directorate could grant extensions in building deadlines and on payment of prescribed surcharge. It could cancel the sale of plots, shops or other property for violation of any of the conditions laid down by the LDA.

Ahmed Aziz Tarar was posted as the director of the DEM (I), housed in a newly-constructed LDA building in Johar Town.

The DEM (II), recently moved to the LDA building at Egerton Road, was headed by Farqaleet Mir.

Among the 47 housing schemes managed by the directorates, the DEM I was tasked to look after Johar Town, Shah Jamal Scheme, Upper Mall Scheme, Gulberg Scheme, Muslim Town Scheme, New Garden Town Scheme,  Allama Iqbal Town, Faisal Town, Mohlanwal Scheme, Model Town Extension, Mustafa Town, Nawab Town, Saint Mary’s Park, Fruits and Vegetables market, Allama Iqbal Town, and Fruits and Vegetables market, Ferozepur Road.It was also mandated to manage the LDA flats, quarters and other leased property.

The DEM II was in charge of the Gujjarpura Scheme, Tajpura Scheme, Chuburji Scheme, Islamia Park, Raj Garh, Egerton Road, Shah Alam Market, Qila Lakshman Singh, Sabzazar Housing Scheme, Samanabad, Gulshan Ravi, Do Moriya Pul, Faziliya Colony, Oil Rifle Range, Garhi Shahu, Kabari Market, Montgomery Road, Patiala Wakeel Khana, Railway Station, Shadman, Shadbagh, Baghbanpura, Timber Market, Aariya Nagar, Data Nagar and Tollinton Market, D-Point Parking Plaza, Rang Mahal, Akbari Mandi and Fruits and Vegetables market on Ravi Link Road. It also monitored LDA leased lands, flats and quarters. Both directorates also had the powers to administer the processing of employees’ and widows’ quota.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2010.