SWABI, Sept 4: The Swabi district council has opposed transfer of Rs461.122 million deposited for plots in the Shahmansoor Township by 11,528 applicants to Khyber Bank and Habib Bank on 10 per cent interest.

The Swabi Development Authority (SDA) has undertaken development of 300 acres of land at Shahmansoor, 7km from Swabi city on Jehangira road, and created 3,200 residential plots of different sizes. Most of the plots, except some of 10 marlas, have been purchased by people.

Debating delay in draw for 10-marla plots on Tuesday, members of the council demanded an immediate decision in this regard. They said the applicants were not ready to wait any longer and they wanted to be allotted the plots or refunded their money.

They held the SDA responsible for delaying the draw, alleging that it wanted to earn interest on the deposited money.“Because of such acts, people lose confidence in the government and its institutions,” a member said.

“The district government is responsible for the situation because it is its duty to take to task those who are creating problems for the public,” said Mohammad Ishfaq, leader of the opposition in the council.

The last date for submission of the application forms was May 15 but it was extended twice.

Each applicant purchased the form for Rs1,500, which is non-refundable. So far, 107 plots have been demarcated in the township. The council members said the district nazim had reduced the price of forms to Rs1,000 but it should be cut further. A total of 13,900 forms were purchased but only 11,528 of them were submitted.

The district nazim directed the SDA to refund Rs500 to each applicant of a 10-marla plot but no such instruction was issued for those who had not submitted the forms because they failed to arrange the required amount of Rs40,000, said a member.