The Local Government (LG) department in Sindh took a significant step by imposing a comprehensive ban on the approval of maps for all types of housing projects, buildings, and commercial plazas. The primary motivation behind this stringent measure is to curb the proliferation of illegal construction in the region.
The directive to enforce this ban came from the Local Government Minister, Mubin Jumani, who called upon the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to promptly address the issue of rampant illegal construction within the province.
This ban on map approvals applies not only to the SBCA but also extends to other development authorities falling under the jurisdiction of the local government department. Additionally, it has been made clear that a moratorium has been placed on the issuance of any building plans and layouts. Multiple civic and development bodies, including the Karachi Development Authority, Malir Development Authority, and Lyari Development Authority, have received this directive.
Furthermore, this restriction on permits for maps, building plans, and layouts also encompasses entities such as the Hyderabad Development Authority, Sehwan Development Authority, and the Town Planning Department. It’s important to note that this ban is temporary in nature and primarily serves as a precursor to shaping future policies. Provincial authorities overseeing this matter will work to formulate a clear and comprehensive policy moving forward.
In the interim, the Minister for Local Government has emphasized the need for entities like the Water Board and Karachi Development Authority (KDA) to redirect their resources towards providing essential public amenities and relief measures.
The directive issued to the Director General of KDA, Pervez Ahmed Baloch, encourages efforts to optimize available resources and restore the aesthetic quality of the city. This multi-pronged approach seeks to address the pressing issue of unauthorized construction while enhancing the overall quality of life for the residents of Sindh.