12 Illegal buildings demolished; six firms short listed for awarding demolition contract – Sindh Chief Secretary reviews progress of anti-encroachment drive
Sindh Courier
Karachi
Vast tracts of land are under the illegal possession of land grabbers in the metropolis, as according to official figures, 5000 acres are occupied in the limits of Malir Development Authority alone and the administration has succeeded to get vacated 150 acres only during the recently launched drive.
The figures were shared in a review meeting on drive against encroachments, illegal buildings and action against water thieves held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sindh Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput at Sindh Secretariat on Friday.
During the meeting, officials of Malir Development Authority (MDA), Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB) gave briefing on the proceedings.
The MDA officials said that some 5000 acres of land is under the illegal occupation of land grabbers while 150 acres of land belonging to MDA has been retrieved from illegal occupants.
DG Sindh Building Control Authority said that 12 illegal buildings have been demolished in Karachi. He further informed the meeting that SBCA has short listed 6 firms for demolition and these contractors will be sent with administration for demolition.
Chief Secretary directed the DG to submit detailed report of illegal buildings to the Deputy Commissioners.
Provincial Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, who also attended the meeting, said that heavy fines would be imposed against the mafia for constructing illegal buildings. He informed that Javed Sheikhani has been appointed as the coordinator to address issues of builders’ association ABAD.
The officials of Water Board informed that illegal connections are being removed from the system of Water Board. They further informed that 6 water theft connections had been removed from 48 inch pipeline near Saadi Town while 6 illegal water hydrants were also been demolished.
Chief Secretary Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput said that 10 MGD of water have been saved in the city so far by taking action against water thieves. He directed Police, Rangers and district administration to take full part in action against encroachments and water theft and the anti-encroachment force will be provided with equipment to deal with the riots.
LG Minister Nasir Shah said that the budget of anti-encroachment force would also be increased and more staff and powers would be given to anti-encroachment force.
The meeting was also attended by Senior Member Board of Revenue Baqaullah Unar, Commissioner Karachi Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Secretary Local Government Najam Ahmad Shah and others.
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