HYDERABAD:
The Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation (HWSC) has failed to provide a complete and accurate response to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), despite repeated reminders.
The investigation into the sudden proliferation of commercial plazas in Latifabad—a once quiet residential neighborhood—has revealed significant irregularities. NAB is scrutinizing officers and employees of the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC), Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), Local Government Department, and others for their role in improperly converting residential plots into commercial ones.
Sources indicate NAB may also take action against WASA officers for withholding evidence and not cooperating in the ongoing investigation.
According to HWSC officials, NAB declared the corporation’s initial response, submitted by HWSC Deputy Director Admin, incomplete. NAB set a deadline of December 5 for a comprehensive submission, which HWSC failed to meet. A subsequent deadline of December 24 also passed without compliance, as HWSC cited a board meeting and other excuses for their delay. The corporation now claims it will submit the required documents by December 30 or 31.
NAB Karachi is currently investigating the unauthorized conversion of residential plots in Latifabad into commercial properties. The investigation includes the construction of multi-story buildings, wedding halls, filling stations, and other structures on these plots without proper documentation.
Local officials describe the inquiry as uncovering a “can of worms.” Discrepancies have been found in the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs), affidavits, and short challans for commercial projects. Allegations include local government officers failing to deposit builders’ fee payments into official bank accounts.
During the investigation, HMC and Land Department officers were summoned by NAB Hyderabad, where their statements were recorded. Records from the SBCA reveal that NOCs were issued not only by HMC but also by the Planning and Development Control (P&DC) Department of the Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA).
In addition, the SBCA collected betterment charges for multi-story constructions on illegally converted plots, with 25% of these charges paid to HWSC. However, HWSC has been unable to account for how these funds were utilized. NAB sent multiple letters requesting clarification on the betterment charges, including reminders on November 5, November 19, and November 29, but HWSC’s responses remained incomplete.
HWSC has attributed their delay in responding to holidays and internal scheduling conflicts, but NAB continues to demand accountability and a full disclosure of records. The anti-corruption watchdog’s investigation is ongoing.
