Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Instead of taking concrete measures to restrict the illegal growth of structures in Maira Abadi, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is going to spend Rs 125 million on a service road, which will ultimately benefit unauthorised constructions.

A strip between sector G-11 and sector G-12 was originally earmarked for 12th Avenue in the master plan of Islamabad. However, the area turned into an unauthorised, unplanned commercial area alongside the existing service road west of the sector G-11.

The Capital Development Authority acquired the land for Sector G-12 back in 1985. However, the locals refused to give possession as they found the compensation money insufficient.

Since then, there is a bar on sale and purchase of land in the sector. However, property dealers are selling and purchasing the land without any lawful transfer of title, allocation of a plot on the map and registry.

The 2.4 kilometres long service road west project will cost Rs 125 million as a rigid pavement will be laid down on the road. The project will be completed in five months.

Talking to Daily Times, a deputy director of the engineering wing said: “The carpeting of service road west will directly benefit the illegal commercial buildings situated alongside the road as they will get direct access from this road.”

“I am surprised to see how the top brass has given priority to this road. At the same time, a number of other roads in the rest of the sectors are in a dilapidated condition,” he said. Talking to Daily Times, Member Planning and Design, who also holds additional charge of the Engineering Wing, Asad Mehboob Kiani said: “We are going to develop the service road as the residents of Sector G-11 face problems due to its poor condition.”

He conceded that illegal commercial buildings already raised alongside the road would also enjoy the benefits of the development scheme. “We cannot ignore the inhabitants of Sector G-11 just because the new road will be used by others, who are sitting in the area illegally,” he said. Sources inside the Capital Development Authority said that the project was politically motivated. “A number of bigwigs back this project. They have their stakes in the development of the area,” sources said.

“For instance, after the completion of the road, a number of commercial projects, including Khaudad Heights owned by a former MNA of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Anjam Aqeel Khan, will benefit,” sources said.