Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday to review the agency’s performance, focusing on addressing the pressing issue of illegal housing societies. The meeting, held at CDA Headquarters, was attended by key members including Talat Mahmood (Administration and Estate), Syed Nafasat Raza (Engineering), Dr. Khalid Hafiz (Planning), Esfandyar Baloch (Environment), and Tahir Naeem (Finance).
Randhawa declared that providing housing for Islamabad’s residents is the CDA’s top priority. He announced a crackdown on illegal housing developments and cooperative societies. Surveys are underway to determine the extent of land illegally acquired and files sold beyond authorized limits.
The CDA plans to revoke illegal layout plans and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for societies violating regulations. All such societies are required to install water treatment plants and adhere to approved layout plans and NOCs for plot allotments.
Addressing water scarcity, Randhawa highlighted the establishment of the Islamabad Water Agency as a key step towards ensuring adequate supply. He directed officials to prioritize clean water access through measures like underground water septic tanks, fully operational water tankers, tube wells, and water treatment plants. A sustainable water supply strategy, including seeking donor funding, is also being developed.
The meeting also reviewed other critical areas, including sector development, city beautification projects, encroachment removal, construction of sports complexes, operationalization of the Gandhara Citizen Art Center, CDA Hospital upgrades, the transformation of the CDA Nursery into a “Gardenia Hub,” establishing a Food Street in Blue Area, improving CDA Model Schools, and upgrading sports grounds.
Randhawa affirmed that all CDA recruitments are merit-based. Third-party audits of all CDA projects will be conducted by reputable firms to ensure transparency and quality. He said qualified doctors are being appointed at Capital Hospital, and medicine procurement has been streamlined. The CDA Nursery’s transformation into a state-of-the-art “Gardenia Hub,” with Baku’s collaboration, is also underway. Randhawa expressed satisfaction with the CDA’s overall performance and urged continued improvement in service delivery.