Site industrial plots: policy to regularise plots converted into commercial furnished

Sindh government Friday submitted the policy to regulate the issue of industrial plots, which were converted into commercial, with Sindh Water Commission (SWC) by spelling out the guidelines for their regularization.
The policy elaborated that all those plots and/or part of industrial plot, which have been converted into commercial and where no construction activity has started yet, SITE Limited would immediately initiate the process of cancellation of their conversion. The conversion fee so deposited would be returned by SITE Ltd.
All those plots/or part of industrial plot, which have been converted into commercial and where building is constructed or where building structure is under construction, SITE Limited will charge an additional lump sum amount, which will be utilized for carrying out development and maintenance work of water and sewerage network.
In future, SITE Limited will restrain from converting industrial plot into commercial except for allowing essential trades, ancillary to industrial development to be operated on industrial plots.
All encroachment, which are obstructing the flow of drains etc) by all commercial entities in all estates of SITE Ltd will he removed SITE Ltd itself or with the assistance of relevant authorities wherever required.
The tariffs being charged from the commercial plots as well as industrial plots will be reviewed by the government or board as may be decided and will be implemented in all estates.
The amount so generated will be utilized to cover the deficit of SITE Ltd and carrying out development work/ maintenance of water & sewerage networks.
All commercial businesses being carried out on converted industrial plots will be charged annual rent on commercial rates.
The policy has been framed by the Sindh Government to regulate the issue of industrial plots which were converted by the SITE without examining the authority of SITE as to whether the Board was competent to grant permission of the nature.
The issue has been taken up after commission was informed that huge shopping plazas were constructed and made operational on the industrial plots.
Construction of this nature without providing civic facilities has multiplied the agonies of the inhabitants of the vicinity, commission observed.
Besides, the clean drinking water and sewerage system have totally collapsed. The role of the Sindh Building Control Authority which has granted approval is also beyond comprehension.
Commission observed that there is no institutional mechanism within the Sindh Government to address this issue and stated that the policy needs to be reviewed.
The policy has given discretion to the SITE. The issue needs to be examined in depth, which has direct nexus with the fundamental rights of the citizens on account of such conversion, it observed.
The issue raised before the Commission in regard to conversion of industrial plot into commercial has been taken notice by the Sindh Government and it is expected that policy on review will address all the issues.
The parties who have reservation with the policy may approach the appropriate forum for redressal in accordance with law.
In today's proceedings, the Secretary Works did not appear, who was represented by Deputy Secretary Works when the commission took up the various schemes of the department.
The issue is lingering on for last several months and the Works Department for one or the other reason is avoiding its responsibility.
The Commission took serious exception to the conduct of the Works Department and directs the Secretary Works to submit an undertaking reflecting the timeframe for the completion of the assignment in terms of the directives as delay on the part of Works Department has made the life of the public miserable within Sindh.