Lahore: The governing body of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) recently formed the Ravi Urban Development Agency (RUDA) to set up a low cost housing project along the Ravi River — a news source reported.
The Ravi Riverfront Urban Development was an ambitious project that had been launched by the previous government, and which has now been made a part of the Naya Pakistan Housing Programme (NPHP) — following the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan. According to the details available, the authorities plan on establishing 12 cities along the 45-kilometre belt of the Ravi River.
During a meeting, the LDA governing body also took a number of other decisions to facilitate the city’s construction industry. One important decision included simplifying the procedure for approving new private housing schemes — with the authority deciding to send a summary to the provincial government for securing its cooperation for the purpose. The governing body further recommended creating a check-list of required documents and to establish timelines in order to ensure timely approvals.
The body also decided that all commercial and residential building plans should be approved within 30 days.
Other approved measures include:
Provision allowing use of steel structure in all types of construction. The owners will, however, have to provide a structure stability certificate in such a case.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on illegal constructions
Reduction in amount of earnest money for participation in auction proceedings.
Water and Sanitation Agency’s Master Plan 2040 was approved.
