GDA director general reviews building control section, orders faster action on illegal construction

GWADAR: Director General of the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Moinur Rehman Khan chaired an important meeting of the GDA’s Building Control Section. The meeting reviewed in detail the monitoring of construction activity in the city, implementation of the building by-laws, action against illegal construction and encroachments, and the overall performance of the building control system.

Controller Buildings Nadir Baloch, Deputy Controller Building (Structure) Mirjan Baloch, Deputy Controller Buildings (Architect) Abdul Razzaq Baloch, Assistant Director Enforcement Munir Ahmed Bulaidi, Assistant Controller (Structure) G M Baloch and other officers attended.

The meeting reviewed the steps being taken to implement fully the Building By-laws 2020 and other construction rules in force under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan. The DG directed that the capacity of the Building Control Section be increased. He said construction activity should be monitored effectively and action against violations should be more organised, timely and result-oriented.

Manpower and fee structure

The meeting also reviewed the section’s administrative structure and manpower needs. The director general directed that comprehensive recommendations be prepared and submitted on deploying more staff according to current needs, so that fieldwork and office work can be carried out effectively.

NOC fees for construction, various charges and the fee structure were also reviewed. The director general directed that the fee structure be reviewed afresh in view of present conditions and needs. He said recommendations for suitable amendments should be prepared where necessary and presented for approval at the next Governing Body meeting.

Additional police for enforcement wing

Special attention was given to strengthening the enforcement wing. To make action against illegal construction, unlawful encroachments and occupation of government land more effective, the director general directed steps to obtain additional police constables from the police department. He said field staff should be given effective support so that action against violations of the building by-laws and against encroachments can be carried out swiftly.

He directed that those who begin construction without the prescribed legal procedure and permission be discouraged. He said illegal construction should be identified in time and action taken in line with the law and the building by-laws, so that discipline in construction is ensured in the city.

The director general stressed that the procedure should be made simpler, more transparent and easier, to encourage citizens to obtain a construction permit or NOC through legal means. He said the purpose of building control was not only to act against violations but also to facilitate citizens in lawful and orderly construction, so that building activity in Gwadar can grow in line with the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan and the approved building by-laws.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan