ISLAMABAD: A change in the status of a plot in I-11 sector has raised eyebrows at the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Sources said the city managers, in violation of the rules, allotted a plot reserved for a cold storage (usually used by vegetable dealers) for the setting up of a restaurant.

Under CDA rules, bidders who win a cold storage plot in an auction cannot establish any other business on it.

However, in April this year, the CDA auctioned a 4,363.33 square-yard plot at Sector I-11/4 against Rs147 million for the establishment of a cold storage.

Allottee of the plot auctioned for cold storage was issued letter for establishment of a restaurant

“I’m surprised that the plot which was originally auctioned for a cold storage was issued an allotment letter ‘for cold storage/restaurant usage,” said a senior officer of the Estate Management wing, who requested not be named.

Under the rules, he added, cold storage plots cannot be used for any other commercial activity as the rate of such plots is very low compared to the plots.

He said the plot was auctioned against Rs147,026,768, which was a good offer for a cold storage plot but nominal for a commercial plot such as that for a restaurant.

The auction of the plot was held in April this year and subsequently the allotment letter was issued on May 15. According to the broacher of the auction, the plot was reserved for a cold storage.

However, the allotment letter issued by the CDA on May 15, (available with Dawn) stated: “Allotment of Plot No 10, Cold Storage, Sector 1/11/4 Islamabad for Restaurant Usage.”

The body of the allotment letter did not repeat the word ‘restaurant’. It stated, “Plot is meant for the construction of basement plus ground floor (for cold storage only). “Maximum height of building 30 feet, maximum ground coverage 60 per cent, minimum setback front 20 inch, rear 10 inch sides 10 each.”

The Estate Management wing officer said, “The subject of the allotment letter shows something fishy.” He said someone might have provided a room to the allottee to claim that the plot was allowed for the establishment of a restaurant usage. The officer said a proper investigation should be carried out to expose those who changed the status of the plot.

“If this is a typo or technical mistake, we have to go for a corrigendum,” the officer remarked.

When contacted, CDA spokesman Ramzan Sajid on Tuesday said he would check the status of the plot.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2015

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