ISLAMABAD: WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) has recently announced a significant rent increase of 100% for tenants residing in the colonies of Tarbela Dam.
This comes just two years after a 30% rent hike in 2021, while the decision, made without the formation of a rent assessment committee, has raised concerns among residents.
According to sources, the rent increase applies to all housing categories, with rental rates doubling in some cases.
For example, the rental rate for Type A Bungalows has jumped from Rs. 56,533 to Rs. 113,066 per month.
However, the justification for such a drastic rent increase is being questioned due to the remote and economically underdeveloped location of Tarbela Dam, which lacks significant trade or industrial activities.
The condition of WAPDA accommodations in the Tarbela Dam colonies has been a long-standing issue.
Moreover, the properties, which are now between 54-56 years old, have faced weather-related damages and ongoing maintenance challenges due to budget and manpower constraints.
The details also suggest that the situation has worsened over time, with vacant and abandoned accommodations deteriorating significantly.
Besides, the current rent hike also raises concerns about fairness, as the rent being charged for residential accommodations in the Tarbela Dam colonies is already 100% higher than in nearby private areas.
According to residents, this disparity further highlights the need for a transparent and reasonable assessment of rent.
Despite these concerns, WAPDA has not responded to inquiries about the impact of the rent increase on hydro generation tariffs or the rationale behind the decision made without a rent assessment committee.
Source: The Nation
