The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) is grappling with a significant financial default involving the city's sole parking plaza at Fawara Chowk in Raja Bazaar. The contractor operating the facility has failed to pay rent for seven consecutive months, accumulating outstanding dues of Rs42 million, including rent, surcharge, and penalties.
Contractor Secures Stay Order Amid Default
According to sources, the contractor has obtained a stay order from a court, preventing RDA from taking any action to recover the dues or revoke the contract. The parking plaza, which includes the basement, ground, first, and second floors, was awarded to the contractor under a formal agreement. Despite the prolonged default, RDA has been unable to enforce rent recovery due to the legal injunction.
RDA's Financial and Administrative Woes
This default adds to RDA's existing troubles, as the authority is already embroiled in a financial scandal involving Rs1.94 billion. Additionally, RDA has failed to complete two additional floors of the parking plaza, leaving the structure incomplete. The authority's administrative challenges are further highlighted by its inability to ensure regular rent collection from the contractor.
Show-Cause Notice Issued to Administrative Officer
In response to the recovery failure, RDA's administration has issued a show-cause notice to Administrative Officer Khawar Saleem, demanding an explanation for the lapse in ensuring timely rent payments. The notice underscores the authority's internal accountability measures amid the broader financial crisis.
