LAHORE, Nov 3: For some unknown reason, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) is delaying the announcement of its first-ever housing scheme for government employees despite all the preparations.
Arrangements are complete for acquisition of 400 acres for the first phase of “LDA Avenue” on Raiwind Road. More land has also been identified for the second phase of the scheme as the authority expects an overwhelming response from the people. Those failing to secure plots in the draw for the first phase would be accommodated in the second phase.
The government employees eagerly await announcement of the scheme, which is nearer to city than other schemes. Moreover, the prices of plots are lower than private housing schemes in the area. A 10-marla plot is expected to cost around Rs250,000 and a one-kanal plot around Rs500,000 in case of downpayment.
The first phase of the scheme will comprise 3,000 plots of 10 marlas and one kanal each. There will be 2,200 plots of 10 marlas each and 800 plots of one kanal each. Roads will have a minimum width of 40 feet and a maximum of 150 feet. A committee headed by the Punjab chief secretary will manage the scheme after completion of development.
District Nazim Mian Amer Mahmud, the LDA chairman, announced the scheme at a meeting of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry more than four months ago.
Punjab Governor Lt-Gen Khalid Maqbul (retired) ordered reduction in the maximum size of plots from two kanals to one as well as reduction in prices proposed by the authority before approving the scheme for development.
NAB HQ: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is trying to procure 1,000 kanals of the proposed World Trade Centre land in the heart of Jauhar Town for building its headquarters.
The Export Promotion Bureau has already acquired 1,400 kanals of prime commercial land at the rate of Rs5 million per kanal. The NAB is interested in acquiring the remaining land worth around Rs5 billion.
Negotiations for transfer of land to NAB have been in progress for quite some time. The site has been inspected by NAB high-ups and the Punjab governor.