The National Assembly Standing Committee on Housing and Works has expressed serious concern over delays in major public housing projects in Islamabad. The committee directed the authorities concerned to ensure their timely, transparent and result-oriented completion while safeguarding interests of allottees. The committee, chaired by its Chairman Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, was briefed by Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) on delayed Lifestyle Residency Apartments Project in G-13.
The ministry informed the committee delay had been caused by financial constraints, disputes between joint venture (JV) partners, contractual and management issues, and termination of construction agreement. Moreover, a substantial increase in construction costs had adversely affected project's financial viability at original allottee rates. Accordingly, FGEHA is exploring a public-private partnership (Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)) business model to utilise commercial inventory to finance completion of residential component while minimising any additional financial burden on existing allottees.
After hearing the grievances of allottees and stakeholders, chairman of committee expressed serious concern over prolonged delay in the Lifestyle Residency Apartments Project, G-13, despite allottees having paid required amounts. He directed the authorities concerned to take immediate measures to resume the project and ensure its early completion. Secretary Ministry of Housing and Works, informed the committee, pursuant to the directions of minister, progress had been made towards restarting project and that work on a new Joint Venture agreement was being finalised, after which it would shortly be advertised.
Committee directed department concerned to ensure tangible progress without further delay, safeguard the interests of allottees, and ensure early completion and timely handing over of possession. The committee reiterated prolonged delays in public housing projects were unacceptable and directed progress on all projects be regularly reported until their completion. The committee also reviewed performance and functions of Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL) and was briefed on its institutional restructuring, technical capacity and development activities.
The committee appreciated PIDCL's initiatives, including SAP/ERP, RAAST-based payments, E-Office, EPADS and GIS-based project monitoring. It emphasised transparency, sound financial management and effective project oversight.