The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) was successful in achieving new milestones of public service in 2014. The civic authority improved its administrative procedures, completed various development projects, brought institutional reforms and carried out swift disposal of public issues.
Let me tell you about some of the more prominent feats that the LDA celebrated in 2014.
Tamgha-e-Imtiaz
The Government of Pakistan awarded Tamgha-e-Imtiaz to the LDA director general for completing the Metro Bus Project in 11 months.
E-governance
The LDA introduced an e-governance programme and started computerisation of land records in 2014. According to a news source, the land record computerisation will cost Rs 256 million and in this project, plot files will be scanned and digitalised.
Moreover, the introduction of the e-governance programme will allow the authority to process applications, approve building plans, issue completion certificates and execute other matters using computer software.
Possession in LDA Avenue I
LDA Avenue I was launched 11 years ago. However, the LDA started to hand over possession in the 69 percent clear area of the society in September 2014.
Extension of LDA City
In 2014, the LDA extended the area for LDA City from 45,000 kanals to 61,000 kanals, making it one of the largest housing societies in Pakistan.
Reforms in Plot Transfer Procedure
The LDA introduced reforms to the plot transfer procedure. In order to eliminate the risk of bogus transfers and to protect the rights of buyers, the LDA made it compulsory for the plot owners to get no-objection certificates (NOC) from the authority before the execution of any transaction. Moreover, the authority reviewed plot transfer fees in order to curb factors responsible for artificial increase in prices of plots. The LDA also established a ‘Record Shifting Cell’ in Johar Town to simplify transfer procedures.
Building Regulations
The LDA brought amendments to building regulations. According to the new building rules, a four-storey structure can be built on a residential plot. Formerly, the authority had allowed only a three-storey structure on a residential plot.
Completion of roads and overpasses
The Traffic Engineering and Transport Planning Agency (TEPA), a subordinate agency of the LDA, completed various large-scale road and overpass projects in 2014. These projects included Ghazi Road-General Hospital double u-turns, Qainchi signal-free junction, Walton Overpass, Azadi Chowk Interchange, Chungi Amar Sidhu-Kamahan double u-turns, and Khyara Bikers Ring.
The engineering wing also started a project to connect Multan Road to Maulana Shaukat Ali Road via Kareem Block, Allama Iqbal Town and Punjab University. Furthermore, a project to connect Ferozepur Road to Multan Road was also started and it is in the final stages of completion.
The LDA also extended its development projects to adjoining districts of Lahore. It widened the Sargodha Road at a cost of Rs 2.41 billion and started building a hockey stadium in Sheikhupura. Moreover, the construction of Kasur Bypass to link Depalpur Road to Ferozpur Road was also started in 2014.
Commercialisation of properties
LDA introduced a more lenient commercialisation policy in 2014. The commercialisation of properties has been extended for the next 10 years and this permission will be extended every year. However, this policy does not apply to properties on Canal Road.
Illegal Housing Schemes
The Metropolitan Planning Wing of the LDA was established with the sole purpose of giving approvals to new housing schemes in Lahore and as well as Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib.
The wing compiled a list of various illegal housing societies and published the list to safeguard the interests of buyers. Moreover, show-cause notices were served to owners and developers of illegal housing societies.
A special counter was established at the one-window cell of the LDA to provide the necessary information on the legal status of societies.
One-window cell
All LDA directors ensured their presence at the one-window cell for an hour every day (from 11am to 12pm). The directors personally listened to the issues of the people and took measures for their swift resolution. The one-window cell received a total of 70,496 applications in 2014.
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