National Assembly Standing Committee on Housing and Works has directed Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (FGEHF) to take action against encroachments and non-conforming use of residential and commercial properties in sectors under its administrative control. While directing FGEHF for an indiscriminate action against illegal use of residential and commercial properties, the Committee also directed FGEHF to submit a monthly progress report on actions taken against them.
The Committee was chaired by MNA Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari. Enforcement Wing of FGEHF informed the committee that appropriate action has been initiated against encroachers and nonconformists in Sector G-13 and G-14 after fulfilling legal formalities. The Director General FGEHF informed that indiscriminate action would be taken in that regard. Apprising about the progress of Masjid Committee of FGEHF, he said that a general survey of all illegal Mosques in both the sectors had already been conducted and legal action had been initiated.
He further informed that provision of essential services and maintenance in both the sectors falls within the purview of FGEHF subsequent to the decision of Federal Ombudsman and the Foundation had initiated the process of maintenance in both the sectors. He said that initially CDA was awarded development and maintenance work, however, Federal Ombudsman on a complaint held that Foundation should carry out the work on its own through third party. He pointed out reluctance of CDA to reconcile spending of Rs 600 million for the purpose.
The Committee expressed its concern on allocation of meager amount to M/o Housing and Works for maintenance of residential accommodation for government employees which were in dire need of maintenance and uplift. The Minister for Housing and Works informed that only Rs 225/- approximately per accommodation were allocated which had incapacitated the Ministry to carryout maintenance work.
Meanwhile, he also suggested calling Secretary Finance and Chairman, CDA to discuss the issues in question. The Committee directed the presence of Chairman CDA and Secretary of Finance Division in its next meeting to sort out both the issues. While apprising about the update on the Bara Kahu Housing Scheme, the Director General FGEHF informed that issues with the land provider had already been settled after intervention of National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the layout plan has been submitted to CDA for approval and upon approval, development work would be initiated.
Regarding Park Road Housing Scheme, the DG said that Section 4 had already been notified and the Foundation would move for award, after election of subscription by the members. He informed that the scheme was meant for members of Supreme Court Bar Association and Federal Government Employees. Discussing the state of Federal Lodges in Islamabad and provincial capitals, the Committee directed for carrying out maintenance work especially in Fatima Jinnah Women Hostel on priority basis. The Committee also directed for outsourcing janitorial and catering services for Federal Lodges in provincial capitals.