KARACHI, March 19: The Sindh Katchi Abadis Authority (SKAA) has decided to impose a 10-year ban on sale and transfer of plots in any katchi abadi in the province. The decision was taken at a meeting of the SKAA governing body here on Monday with Sindh Minister for Local Government and Katchi Abadis Mohammed Hussain in the chair.

Mr Hussain said the move had become necessary to discourage land mafia and the investors who would purchase a large number of plots in katchi abadis at the time of lease and hold them for a certain period to make high profits. As a result of this practice, poor people remain deprived of their basic right to own a house.

He directed the SKAA director general to take measures for acquiring lands in all districts of Sindh for the Sasti Basti project.

The meeting decided not to allow change of land use in any circumstances with the exception of amenity to amenity cases. The decision was taken keeping in view the illegal use of plots in katchi abadis, especially for commercial purposes, without permission.

The minister said SKAA should consult the TMAs concerned before issuing lease to any katchi abadi as this would result in better coordination among the authorities concerned and improved facilities for the allottees.

He called for preparing a list of amenity plots allotted by the SKAA so far with the mention of their present status and nature of use. On the occasion, a five-member committee was formed to examine the Business Regulations-2007 of the governing body and the SKAA’s Low-cost Housing Scheme Regulations-2007.

Acting Additional Chief Secretary Local Government Ghulam Arif Khan, SKAA DG Ahmed Ali Lund and Director Administration Abdul Ghani Jokhio apprised the minister of the process, criterion and position vis-a-vis the land grant and lease.—APP