ISLAMABAD: The residents of a private housing scheme in the federal capital are facing hardships due to the absence of basic facilities.

Despite promises made at the time of plot sales, the society management appears to have abandoned its responsibilities, leaving the residents to struggle with deteriorating living conditions.

Roshan Pakistan Housing Scheme in E-16 Zone II was supposed to complete development work in 2011.

But so far, there are no basic facilities such as a road network, paved streets, drainage and functional sewerage system, water supply and security arrangements. Moreover, there are also no streetlights, playground and park contrary to the promises made by the society in its layout plan.

CDA officer says notice issued to management and in case of failure to comply strict action will be taken

There are around 300 houses in the society with its residents facing a plethora of issues.

“We purchased a plot here some 12 years ago when this society had valid NOC. That time we were given assurance that every basic facility will be provided. So we constructed our house. Now, we have no basic facility like drainage, roads and cemented streets,” said Bibi Saima, a resident.

She said that even there was no proper electricity supply system as poles were erected at distances with fewer loads. “We have taken up this matter with the management of society but to avail,” she said.

Another resident, Ali Gill, said that despite repeated attempts by residents no one was paying heeds towards resolving issues.

“The development work is not taking place. There is no water supply, no drainage, no sewerage and streetlights. The authorities concerned should take notice of the situation,” he said.

Safdar Raza, another resident, said that besides lack of basic facilities, there was no park, no playgrounds and a graveyard.

“Land for amenities which was highlighted in initial layout plan should be made available. There is no government school for the community, no park for us and in case of death we have to beg other societies for a burial place,” he said.

Another resident said CDA, which had approved the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) of the society, should take notice of the situation and get all promises fulfill by the society.

“We purchase plots and constructed houses because of the NOC issued by CDA. We trusted the CDA, so now it is responsibility of the civic agency to get our issues resolved. The management of the society paying no heeds towards our plights,” he said and added that amenity plots should also be made available for residents. “In case, amenity plots had been sold out, action should be taken against those involved,” he said.

When contacted, a representative of the society management, Irfan Rahoojo, said the society would get the remaining development work completed soon.

“Right now I am busy, but telling you we will get the development work completed. We are planning to start work in July this year,” he said.

On the other hand, sources in CDA said the society had no valid NOC and layout plan (LOP). They said LOP of 1619 kanals was approved in 2004 and subsequently NOC was issued in 2006.

The sources said that the development work in the scheme was supposed to be completed in five years - by 11-03-2011. In 2017, LOP and NOC were cancelled by CDA. But many people had already bought plots over there.

The sources said the Directorate of Housing Society CDA on May 20 issued a final notice to the management of the society against violations of conditions of layout plan and NOC. In its letter, CDA also informed the society that complaints had been received from the allottees and members of the society.

“We have issued a strong worded letter to management of the society. In case they do not comply within the notice period, we will take strict action against them,” said an officer of the CDA.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2025