LAHORE, March 29: Wapda Town Phase-II lacks basic civic amenities even after 17 years of starting of its development by the Wapda Housing Society.

The society has failed to complete the development of the second phase despite having received development charges from the allottees, mostly low-paid employees. The allottees are in a fix about building their houses due to absence of basic amenities.

Water supply is the major problem in the scheme. The society has finalized the tender for sinking a tubewell, but is unable to install it because the overhead reservoir cannot be linked to Block M-1 and N due to the squatters occupying the land in-between. An alternative scheme to start the water supply in Phase-II from July, 2002, by linking it to the Phase-I water supply system and installation of control valves in its blocks has not been completed till date.

The Wapda Society has not been able to arrange laying of gas pipelines in Phase-II so far despite having paid Rs15 million to the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, but is receiving fines from the allottees who have not been able to clear their dues.

The society has also left the roads in 10 blocks incomplete. Sewer lines have been laid in the control area of Phase-II, but these cannot be linked because of the disputed Wapda land lying in-between.

And last but not the least, the Wapda Housing Authority has failed to lay power supply lines in the scheme. Encroachments on Phase-II land by residents of the villages in the area are an additional problem.