Work on unplanned buildings stopped

KHOST CITY (PAN): The municipality department has stopped work on several buildings that were initiated against the master plan for Khost City, the capital of southeastern Khost province, officials said on Wednesday.

The engineering section head at the municipality, Ghulam Rassoul, told Pajhwok Afghan News that construction work on more than 20 unauthorised buildings had been stopped. He said these buildings were being constructed in contrast to the master plan approved for the city.

He said the municipality would not allow the resumption of work on the structures until the master plan was completed.

Urban Development Director Eng. Yousaf also confirmed the halt, saying many other buildings in Khost City had been built illegally and against required engineering standards.

He said his department had joined hands with the municipality to stop illegal and unplanned construction in the city. Unauthorised structures could create problems in the execution of the master plan, he added.

A trader union head, Karamat Khan Khpalwak, called the municipality’s action as appropriate, but asked the department to facilitate people in building new structures and avoid creating problems for builders in getting permission.

He said it took him several months to get permission for building a multi-storey structure. Since Khost City had turned into a trade hub, the city needed planned construction activities, he added.

Resident Mohammad Rahim called unplanned buildings in the city a legacy of the delaying tactics by the municipality and the Urban Development Department in granting permission for planned constructions.

Saidullah, who intends to build a market, claimed he had repeatedly asked the municipality to allow him to complete his project, but instead hurdles were created to the project.

ma/mud

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