ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) commitment to completing development work in Sector I-12 by September 2024 remains unfulfilled, leaving hundreds of middle-class allottees, including retired and in-service government employees, in a state of uncertainty.

Despite CDA ChairmanMohammad Ali Randhawa’s directive on May 25 this year to complete the sector’s development within four months, the plots are yet to be handed over to the allottees. The September deadline set during a meeting presided over by the CDA chairman on May 25 has passed but the CDA could not hand over the plots and drew criticism from the allottees, who demand immediate action to overcome the hurdles.

With many relying on these plots to secure their future housing, the delay has caused widespread dissatisfaction. The delay is particularly distressing for middle class employees, many of whom have been living in rented accommodations for years with the hope of building their own homes.

Aftab Ujjan, an allottee of Sector I-12, expressed his frustration, stating, “The CDA chairman emphasised timely resolution of issues to ensure smooth development, yet we are still waiting for possession. This is a serious setback for middle-class families like me.”

Fahad Hameed, another allottee, criticised the apparent disparity in the allocation of funds for the development of residential sectors.

“The CDA has sufficient funds for other development projects, but there is always a shortage of funds when it comes to residential sectors like I-12, which cater to middle-class employees. Delayed payments to contractors are the main reason for the slow progress,” he claimed.

The situation is particularly stressful for the employees whose retirement is nearing like Tahir Mahmood, who expressed his growing concern. “My retirement is approaching, and the delay in possession has left me worried. Constructing a home after retirement will be incredibly challenging,” he said.

He urged the CDA chairman to take immediate action and expedite the development process. The much-awaited possession of plots in Sector I-12 has remained a distant dream for allottees. They have called on the CDA chairman to prioritise Sector I-12’s development and ensure speedy possession, enabling families to realise their dream of owning a home in the federal capital.

Sector I-12 spans a sprawling 745.87 acres and comprising 6,040 residential plots of various sizes, including 25x25, 30x60, and 35x65.

This sector holds the potential to alleviate the burden of overcrowded housing in the capital city.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2024