CDA allottees decry hefty development charges as unfair, burdensome

Islamabad : Plot owners in Sector I-12 have strongly opposed the Capital Development Authority's (CDA) recent decision to impose hefty development charges on underdeveloped residential sectors, including their one, terming it unfair, illogical and burdensome.

The civic agency recently announced development charges for several sectors, including C-13, C-14, C-15, C-16, C-17, I-11, I-12, I-14 and I-15, at a uniform rate of Rs9,000 per square yard.

Sector I-12, in particular, has drawn intense criticism as the plots in this sector were initially allotted to the original land affectees of Islamabad over three decades ago in compensation for their ancestral land, which was acquired for the capital’s expansion.

Tahir Mahmood, a Sector I-12 allottee, expressed dismay, saying it is deeply unfair for the CDA to impose development charges on a three-decade-old sector meant for land affectees. The affectees gave their valuable ancestral land in exchange for these plots, and now they are being asked to pay again for the CDA’s failure to develop this sector over the past 30 years. This decision could be challenged in court.” Muhammad Masood Ilyas, another allottee, called the charges “illogical,” emphasising that the CDA’s failure to provide basic infrastructure over the past three decades makes this demand particularly unjust.

He wondered why he and other allottees should pay for the CDA’s inefficiency.

Khumar Gul, also a plot owner in the sector, highlighted the financial burden the new charges would place on allottees. “According to the CDA’s notification, owners of 25x50 plots will need to pay Rs1,250,000, 30x60 plot owners Rs1,800,000, and 35x60 plot owners Rs2,100,000. These amounts are excessive and will impact both real estate transactions and the financial stability of many low-income families,” he said.

Kashif Iftikhar, another concerned allottee, criticized the CDA’s approach as greedy and inconsiderate. “It is sheer greed on the part of the CDA to demand development charges from poor allottees who have been waiting for over 30 years to build their homes. The sector still lacks basic amenities like water, electricity, and proper roads, which are essential for a liveable residential area,” he said.

The allottees have warned the CDA that if the charges are not immediately withdrawn, they will take their case to court, seeking justice for what they see as an unjust financial burden.

Sector I-12, once a garbage dumping site covering 745.87 acres, was earmarked for 6,040 residential plots of various sizes (25x50, 30x60, and 35x65). Despite its potential to alleviate Islamabad’s severe housing shortage, the sector remains largely underdeveloped, reflecting the CDA’s low priority for residential expansion amid rising property demands.