MCI plans to raise property tax

Islamabad: The Municipal Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) is contemplating to enhance property tax and allied charges in the federal capital.

The 19th session of the MCI chaired by deputy mayor Islamabad Chaudhry Riffat Javed was informed that a consultant will be appointed for revision of property taxes and allied charges who will submit his recommendations to be placed at MCI session for final approval.

The session discussed recommendations of committees of MCI regarding property tax in Islamabad, Water Conservancy charges and others. Deputy Mayor Riffat Javed directed that before making recommendations consultant will consult committees constituted in this regard so that workable and effective recommendations could be prepared for final approval. The session also discussed the provision of water connections to the residents of union councils of rural areas also sought suggestions from Director Water Supply of MCI.

The session agreed to remove illegal water connections from the main water supply line of Simly Dam while chairmen of union councils 2 to 8 along with Director Water Supply will ensure removal of water connections from the water supply line because due to less rain spells water shortage being faced in the capital city and steps are being taken to utilise existing water reservoir up to monsoon season.

The members of the MCI also gave different suggestions to utilise existing water up to monsoon season. The meeting was informed that 19 MGD water is being supplied from the Simly Dam instead of 34 MGD while funds have been released for repair and maintenance of water tankers and pipelines.

The MCI session was called two hours prior Juma prayers and ended without completing agenda due to shortage of time. The session was to take up different issues relating to slums. Meanwhile, on the directions of Member Administration, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, salaries of 30 absent employees of Sanitation Directorate have been stopped.

These employees were attached with other formations and officers without permission and were also given deadline to report back to Sanitation Directorate, failing in doing so their salaries were stopped.