PESHAWAR, April 28: The City District Council (CDC) here on Wednesday demanded a ban on housing schemes in the jurisdiction of the provincial metropolis which were being built without the approval of respective town councils.

Nazim Niaz Mohmand, through a resolution, drew the council's attention towards unauthorized construction of townships in different parts of the city, which lacked basic facilities.

He pointed out that according to municipal plan every residential colony and town scheme should have basic facilities, such as a 16-foot wide approach road, streets, proper sewerage system and space for schools, mosque and health care centre.

Unfortunately, he said, new towns were being built without getting approval from the authorities concerned and they did not fulfil the criteria. He said illegal townships were creating many complications for the city and the city district government should adopt measures to stop such schemes.

He suggested that the district government should direct the four town councils to completely ban unlawful residential colonies in the city and make proper plans in this regard.

Hayatabad Nazim Sirajul Haq Yousufzai, while supporting the movers, said that every town council had building inspectors and other staff to check illegal constructions and other activities in their respective areas.

According to the municipal laws, he said, every town should have water, sewerage, gas, telephone and electricity facilities and a space for school and health centres. Convener Dr Iqbal Khalil, who presided over the sessions, suggested constitution of a committee to look into the matter.

He said that City Municipal and Development Department director-general and officials of the town building control agency should also be made members of the committee.

Earlier, the council discussed the plight of public sector schools in the district. Many members complained that the public sector primary, middle and high schools did not have basic facilities and there was a general shortage of the teaching staff, particularly in girls schools.

Kanokola Nazim Hamid Bachaa said that there was no high school both for boys and girls in his union council and girls could not complete their education. Convener Dr Iqbal Khalil said that there was shortage of high schools in the district and 60 per cent of the union councils lacked high schools.

He said the government should give top priority to education and should establish both male and female high schools in each of the union councils.