ICCI calls for removal of illegal slums to facilitate business activities
ISLAMABAD
APP
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Shaban Khalid has called for removal of all slums that are illegal from the capital as they have become sanctuaries of criminals, pose great security threats, disturb peace of citizens and create hurdles in smooth growth of business activities as well.
The ICCI president said that many citizens living in the surroundings of illegal slums had shown great concerns as they faced several security risks.
Talking to a delegation from the Fruits and Vegetable Market, Khalid said that instead of providing low cost housing facility, these illegal slums had become hub of business activities including sale of scrap, timber trade and warehousing; due to which the businesses in markets are suffering.
The mushroom growth of slums also occupied green areas, in violation of CDA’s Master Plan, creating many environmental problems for the city.
Traders Welfare Association of Fruits & Vegetable Market I-11 Secretary General Tahir Ayub said that businessmen have been demanding since long for removal of illegal kachi abadis due to security threats and the bomb blast in Sabzi Mandi in April 2014 killing 24 people had vindicated their concerns.
He said that illegal slums in Islamabad are a cause of concerns as they provide safe havens to criminals, promote illegal activities including gambling, drugs, arms sale etc. and create a sense of insecurity among the businessmen as well as the citizens living in the vicinity of slums.
The ICCI president said many countries have removed slums from major cities for development purpose. India demolished about 67,000 illegal constructions in Mumbai’s in 2005 as a part of urban rejuvenation plan. Similarly China demolished thousands of slums in Beijing in 2008 to develop the city on modern lines. He stressed that government should take strong action against land mafias that encourage people to settle in slums to be able to get a share of compensation or resettlement package.
The utility service providers to illegal slums including IESCO and SNGPL should also be looked into. Khalid said CDA should develop a comprehensive plan to remove all illegal slums from Islamabad on permanent basis, which will help in improving the security situation and lead to better growth of business activities.
