Sindh Minister for Local Government, Katchi Abadies and Spatial Development Muhammad Hussain Khan has directed Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) to issue NOC for any housing project only to those builders and developers who are members of Association of Builders and Developers (Abad).
Presiding over a meeting regarding various housing complaints of general public against builders and developers, the minister said that this restriction was necessary to make the builders more accountable.
The meeting was also attended by MPA Abbas Jafri, Chief Controller KBCA Mumtaz-ur-Rehman, Chairman Abad Hafeez Butt and other KBCA officers.
The Minister for Local Government further directed for a comprehensive written agreement between the builders and their clients at the time of booking.
This agreement must be endorsed by the KBCA so as to ensure its proper implementation, he added.
Muhammad Hussain Khan further said that there were general complaints that builders increase cost, demand extra money and impose hidden charges and even fail to hand over possession within promised time frame.
He said that it was pivotal for planned and sustained beautification of Karachi to control illegal and unplanned construction.
He further directed for preparation of a list of such housing projects occupied by illegal residents so as to evolve a strategy and resolve this issue. He also asked for regular meeting of the committee headed by Abbas Jafri, MPA, formed in this regard.
Muhammad Hussain appreciated holding of open Katcheries at Town Level by town building controllers. This kind of interaction will certainly resolve majority of complaints at the town level, he added and directed for regular holding of these Katcheries.
Chairman Abad, Hafeez-ur-Rehman Butt assured that the association would extend all possible help in resolving the complaints against builders and developers.
He appreciated the decision not to allow NOC to non-members of the association and hoped that it would minimise complaints of general public.
He said that majority of complaints are against such builders who are not the members of Abad because they are not accountable to any body. Chief Controller, KBCA, Mumtaz-ur-Rehman informed the Minister that during the last 10 months, 1,036 illegal structures were razed in various parts of the city.
He also informed the minister about the one window facility at KBCA where building plans are being approved within 24 hours. Before issuing any NOC, the proposed site is also inspected, he added.