| Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and the District Council have entered into a significant agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the regulation of private housing societies in Rawalpindi, according to news published in the national dailies on June 5.
Read: RDA to take action against illegal housing societies
Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, who also serves as the District Council administrator, held a meeting last week to address the rapid growth of housing societies and ensure effective regulation of private housing societies in the district. As per the details, the RDA will assume the responsibility of managing and regulating private housing societies and granting building approvals in the district. This decision was made to consolidate authority and regulatory functions within a single civic body.
A dedicated five-member committee, consisting of representatives from the RDA, Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation, and District Council, has been formed to finalize the specifics of this arrangement. The primary task is to establish the terms and conditions for transferring the responsibilities associated with the regulation of private housing societies in Rawalpindi and Building Control from the District Council to the RDA.
In order to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure effective regulation, the Rawalpindi District Council will provide the RDA with relevant data and necessary human resources. The RDA will officially assume the responsibilities of managing and regulating private housing societies in the local government areas, as delegated by the District Council administrator from June 25 onwards.
Read: RDA seeks EOI for digital survey of under-construction buildings
It is important to note that until the MoU is finalized, the RDA currently lacks the legal authority to oversee private housing societies in the district or take legal action against any illegal societies, schemes, or constructions. However, with the recognition of Section 23 of the Local Govt Act 2022, it is clarified that the local government can delegate its functions to the development authority, thus empowering the RDA in the regulation of private housing societies. |
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