Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Faisal Amin Gandapur has strictly directed the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) to ensure 100% implementation on land-use and building control rules for making housing projects successful and environmentally friendly.
“It must also meet environmental requirements, including open spaces inside and outside residential and commercial buildings, in order to maintain a clean and healthy environment for the people”, he added. Similarly, he said, proper parking facilities are must in all buildings side by side with the wide roads and streets so that every chance of traffic problems can be effectively eliminated and also the existing issues of traffic congestion can be gradually overcome.
He was addressing a briefing on Land Use and Building By-Laws of Peshawar Development Authority at Local Government Secretariat Peshawar. On this occasion Additional Director General PDA Engr Ijaz Afzal highlighted the prevailing laws of land use and buildings Bylaws in townships, progress and difficulties faced as such and assured full implementation of instructions of provincial government in this regard. Provincial Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian was also present on the occasion.
Faisal Amin Gandapur clarified in the meeting that in townships, maximum arrangement for ventilation, sunlight and open space inside buildings and modern sanitation and drainage system is required to make townships successful in all aspects. “The use of modern technology also makes urban development easier and more comfortable”, he maintained.
The Minister, however, expressed satisfaction that all the Urban Development Authorities in the province, including the PDA, have formulated and implemented unambiguous Building Bylaws, rules and regulations in this regard.
He hoped that the government agencies along with the Authorities and Townships would strictly abide by the laws of land-use and buildings construction so that the stain of backwardness could be completely washed away from our urban and rural settlements. Besides, all our Townships should be in harmony with the requirements of nature and have healthy environment to even become a tourists destination, a key component of which is maximum tree plantation and extensive afforestation, he added.
Engr Ijaz Afzal told that the PDA criteria for land-use and townships is roads width with 25 to 30% of the total area. Similarly 5 to 7.5% is allocated for open and recreational areas, 7 to 10% for utility facilities, 2 to 3% for commercial and another 2 to 5% for miscellaneous purposes. The remaining 45 to 52%, he said, is allowed for construction of residential buildings.
