River garden residents protest repeated increase i…
Residents of River Garden Islamabad have strongly protested a fresh increase in monthly maintenance charges after the society’s management, River Garden Development Private Limited (RDPL), once again raised service fees. According to residents, the revised charges have been applied unilaterally in bills issued from July onward, placing an additional financial burden on homeowners.
Residents claim that this is not the first time maintenance charges have been increased. They state that RDPL had already raised service charges several times during 2023, 2024, and 2025. As a result of these repeated revisions, the cumulative increase in maintenance fees over the past few years has reportedly exceeded 175 percent, leading to growing frustration among residents.
A large number of River Garden residents have previously challenged these increases in court. During 2023 and 2024, several homeowners obtained stay orders against the hikes, arguing that the increases were unjustified and lacked transparency. However, residents allege that despite these court orders, the management has continued to introduce higher maintenance charges and adopt various administrative measures that they believe place pressure on residents to withdraw their legal cases.
The latest increase has once again triggered widespread criticism within the community. Residents argue that they continue to pay maintenance charges despite receiving inadequate and below-standard services. They believe that the fees being collected do not reflect the quality of facilities available in the housing society.
Residents have demanded that maintenance charges should be determined through a transparent and independent process. They have called for the appointment of a neutral third-party auditor to evaluate the society’s operational expenses and recommend fair service charges. They also insist that the rates should be comparable to those charged by neighboring housing societies offering similar facilities and services.
According to the residents, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) regulations emphasize that housing societies must prioritize the provision of essential infrastructure and address the concerns of residents before imposing additional financial burdens. They argue that instead of increasing maintenance charges, the management should first improve the condition of the society and fulfill its basic responsibilities.
Residents highlighted several longstanding issues that, they say, remain unresolved. They claim that many roads within River Garden are damaged and require urgent repair. They also pointed out that the boundary wall of the housing society is still incomplete, raising concerns about security.
In addition, residents say that the promised community center has yet to be constructed despite repeated assurances. They have also expressed concerns over the increasing number of stray dogs roaming the society, describing the situation as a public safety issue for families and children.
Other complaints include poor maintenance of green areas, with grass and wild shrubs reportedly left unattended for extended periods. Residents further criticized the relocation of the society’s cemetery, stating that it has been moved approximately 13 kilometers away from the residential area, making it difficult for families to visit and creating inconvenience during funeral arrangements.
The residents have once again appealed to the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority to take immediate notice of the matter. They have urged the authority to review the process used to determine monthly maintenance charges and introduce a transparent mechanism that ensures fairness and accountability.
Furthermore, residents have requested the CDA to ensure that RDPL fulfills its obligations by improving infrastructure, completing pending development projects, and providing the essential services promised to homeowners. They believe that only after these basic facilities are delivered should any discussion regarding increases in maintenance charges take place.
The issue has become a major concern for many families living in River Garden, who say they are willing to pay reasonable service charges but expect transparency, accountability, and quality services in return. They hope that intervention by the CDA will help resolve the dispute and ensure that residents receive the facilities and standards they were promised when investing in the housing society.