ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has failed to ensure schools are built on at least 21 of the plots it allotted to private schools on subsidised rates.

These plots have been vacant for more than 10 years, and so are liable to be cancelled, but the authority has kept quiet on the issue.

Sources said the CDA allotted 52 schools plots in various sectors between 1968 and 2007, at subsidised rates. Schools have been built on 28 of them, while three have been cancelled. Another 21 plots in parts of the city, including H-8 and G-11, are still vacant.

An estate wing official said that according to the terms and conditions of the allotments, those allotted the plots are to complete construction within three years, or at most five years.

He said there was no justification for acquiring plots at subsidised or amenity rates and leave them vacant for years.

According to CDA spokesperson Syed Safdar Ali, notices have been issued in such cases to construct buildings, or the CDA will cancel the plots.

He said that several people allotted plots have gone to court in response to the authority’s notices.

“We are determined that there plots should be utilised in accordance with the purpose of the allotment,” he said, adding that the issue will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“If these allottees have no interest in constructing school buildings, they should return the plots to the civic agency or we will cancel them,” he said.

The CDA has also allotted several plots for free to religious seminaries, which are being used illegally.

Seminaries are running upscale private schools that charge high fees on such plots, which is a violation of CDA rules and regulations.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2019