Minister assures builders fast track processing of NOCs from SEPA

KARACHI: Sindh Caretaker Minister for Information, Law and Environment Jameel Yousuf and the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) Thursday agreed for the fast track processing and disposal of applications submitted by builders and developers for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).

This was decided in a meeting held at ABAD House between the provincial minister and Chairman ABAD Arif Yousuf Jeewa. Senior vice chairman ABAD Fayyaz Ilyas, Chairman Southern Region Altaf Tai, former senior vice chairman Muhammad Hassan Bakshi, Additional Chief Secretary Environment Mukhtiar H Soomro, Additional Director General SEPA Noman Mughal and Director Technical Waqar Phoolpoto and other officials were also present in the meeting.

Jameel Yousuf said that he had written to the Director General of SEPA to issue NOCs immediately after due process according to rules because businessmen are investing huge money into their businesses and they cannot wait for a long period.

He said Additional Chief Secretary Mukhtiar Soomro was trying his best to streamline working of the department.

The minister directed the officials concerned to respond to the proponent within seven days and fulfill all obligations within stipulated time frame according to the rules and regulations.

He also agreed with the proposal of ABAD that Section 17(4) of SEPA Act, which was regarding timeframe of issuance of NOC, be printed on the prescribed form.

Jameel Yousuf also agreed to a proposal of ABAD that all applications of builders and developers for NOCs be forwarded by ABAD to SEPA for further processing and for the purpose ABAD would coordinate between its members and SEPA.

Earlier during the meeting, Chairman ABAD Arif Yousuf Jeewa said relevant rules regarding time frame for issuance of NOC be printed on the prescribed form so that proponent could know the time frame and fulfill his responsibility accordingly.

Arif Yousuf said that SEPA should also issue acknowledgement to the proponent. ABAD would play its role as pool between proponents, who were members of ABAD and SEPA for swift resolution of issues.

ABAD would collect all such applications and forward to SEPA for further processing, he said, adding that focal persons from both the sides also be appointed for continuous coordination.

The minister accepted the suggestion and said that two officers from SEPA and two members from ABAD would look after the affairs.