Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher has said the government will adopt a strict “zero tolerance” policy against all forms of irregularities in building construction.
He made the remarks on Thursday while speaking with officials after visiting the office of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA).
The minister said that until now building plans were approved mainly on the basis of architectural designs.
From now on, however, complete documentation, including architectural, structural, electrical, and plumbing plans, must be submitted together for approval.
He warned that buildings constructed in violation of approved designs would not receive occupancy certificates. Without such certificates, utility services would also not be provided, he added.
Calling for the speedy completion of ongoing development projects, the minister said many projects have already achieved 90 to 95 per cent progress, but minor complications are delaying public access to their benefits.
“If these obstacles are removed quickly, people will be able to enjoy the benefits of several major projects within the next few months,” he said.
Zakaria Taher also noted that district administrations are working to resolve land-related complications that have stalled several projects. Although the government initially aimed to complete some projects by December, efforts are now underway to finish them by September.
He said substantial public funds have been spent over the past eight to ten years to implement these projects, and the priority now is to ensure their timely completion for public benefit.
CDA Chairman Engineer Nurul Karim, Chief Engineer Ahmed Anwarul Nazrul, and officials from different departments were present during the visit.
