The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned senior officials from multiple civic agencies in Sindh to Hyderabad from July 9–11 to probe the collection and utilization of the betterment levy charged to builders of commercial properties. Agencies named include:

  • Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA)
  • Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC)
  • Hyderabad Water & Sewerage Corporation (HWSC)
  • Qasimabad Municipal Corporation (QMC)

Directives require these officials to provide detailed records of levy collections and fund allocations dating back to 2011. Failure to comply may result in legal action.

Background Overview

  • The betterment levy is collected by SBCA with a previously agreed distribution formula: SBCA 25%, HMC 55%, WASA/HWSC 20%.
  • In 2021, the Sindh High Court restructured the distribution to: SBCA 10%, HWSC 60%, HMC 30%, yet this formula remains unimplemented.
  • Disputes between civic agencies over their entitled shares have persisted for years, leaving critical infrastructure projects—such as water supply and drainage in new developments—unaddressed.