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ABAD concerned over targetted recovery of outer development charges

KARACHI: Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) has expressed its deep concern over the information of fixing of billion of rupees collection target from the builders in the name of outer development charges (ODC) in KDA Scheme 33 residential housing projects by District Administration Malir.

In a statement issued by the Convenor, ABAD sub-committee of MDA Hanif Panjwani has said that in a situation when not more than 10 percent, outer development works has been so far completed in KDA Scheme 33 attachment of 15 residential projects of builders in the area is unjustified. He alleged that payment received in the name of ODC is being spent for the payment of salaries to staff of municipal committee and builders are forced to construct roads at their own for their residential projects in the area.

Hanif maintained that KDA has charged ODC at a rate of Rs 20.00 per sq. yds. housing societies in KDA Scheme-33 are paying these charges at a rate of Rs 28.00 per sq. yds., but builders who have purchased the land from societies for providing residential facilities to public are being asked to pay ODC at a rate of Rs 210.00 per sq., yds. He has also pointed out that the land which was sold by KDA in 1988-89 at a rate of Rs 20.00 per sq. yds., including development charges, which has been now purchased by builders from allottees, District Malir administration is now further demanding outer development charges on these plots at a rate of Rs 210.00 per sq. yds.

He has demanded of the government that ODC be charged on the use of land not from the user of the land. He has further demanded that uniform ODC rates be implemented, outer development work in KDA Scheme-33 be speed up and commercialisation charges which have been received in respect of those plots be declare commercial plots immediately to save the builders from further losses.

Meanwhile Abad Chairman M. M. I. Hussain has also criticised Dy. Commissioner Malir, for arbitrarily action for sealing about 15 projects of builders on non payment of ODC.

Chairman ABAD has appealed to the Sindh Governor to intervene in the matter as it would have very negative effect on the business of builders and developers and reduce revenue in the form of ODC.