Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has recently commenced the enforcement of new regulations about housing societies to curb fraudulent practices, as reported by a news source on January 10.
As disclosed in the details, reports indicate that the CDA’s implementation of these regulations is now underway. The measures are expected to prevent housing societies from engaging in deceptive practices such as over-invoicing and allocating plots without actual land possession. The move comes in response to numerous instances across the country, including in Islamabad, where citizens have faced disappointment after investing in housing schemes without receiving the promised plots.
A prevalent issue identified by authorities involved the sale of amenities land, originally designated for green spaces, mosques, and schools, by certain housing schemes. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Lt Gen (R) Nazir Ahmad recently announced a policy to combat fraud in housing schemes during an Anti-Corruption Day ceremony in Lahore. Following are the further developments that the announcement saw:
Allotment letters from project sponsors must be shared with CDA to regulate saleable areas in approved layout and building plans.
CDA ensures only plots from approved layout plans are allowed for allotment or transfer.
Plot owners can proceed with construction even if layout plan approval is cancelled due to the sponsor’s default.
Housing projects for apartments and commercial units require CDA approval before public announcements or accepting advances.
Sponsors cannot initiate additional phases without completing 70% of the existing project or altering allotted plot locations.
Sponsors must maintain a website linked to CDA with details like land ownership, layout plans, and NOC details.
8% area (Zone-2 & 5) and 12% area (Zone-4) must be designated as regular parks or playgrounds, including a multipurpose playground.
Policy sets access road width standards in schemes and outlines penalties for violations.
As a graduate in English Literature, Zohaib believes that words are not just a mere figment of imagination. It takes wisdom to be good at them. Following this reason, he is pursuing his career as Public Relations and Content Specialist at Zameen.com.
