Senate body asks FGEHA to complete projects early

ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee on Housing and Construction has directed the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) to complete the housing projects started for government employees without any delay.

The committee gave this directive in a meeting at the Parliament House. The FGEHA DG told the committee that four projects were launched in 2020, but work on the projects had to be stopped due to huge increase in material prices. He said that 34 percent booking was made in Chaklala Heights Apartments.

The DG told the committee that now contract will be given on the new rates. Committee Chairman Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan asked the DG as to who was responsible for the Rs140 million increase in the cost in one year.

Senator Afnanullah Khan said that an assurance was given before the committee that the work on the project would start soon.

On the issue of illegal recruitments in the FGEHA, Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA), the DG informed the committee that total 290 recruitments have been made and provincial quota was not considered in 74 recruitments while more than 63 recruitments were made on merit

The housing secretary told the committee that he had directed everyone not to do wrong on anyone›s advice.

Senator Afnanullah said that those who are accused of corruption should not be promoted. He said that the officers who are being investigated by NAB have been promoted to higher positions and if they are doing corruption at the lower level, they will do corruption when promoted.

Senator Saifullah Abru said that no FGEHA scheme is running well, so action should be taken against those who violated the quota.

The committee sought a report on the matter.

On the matter related to Lifestyle Residency Sector G-13 Islamabad, the FGEHA DG told the committee that in 2010, a joint venture agreement was signed with Progressive Motels and Resort Company with 50-50 partnership, adding that an inquiry has been initiated by the FIA.

Senator Saifullah said that it became clear that this company neither had a PEC certificate nor had any construction experience. Housing and Works Secretary Shehzad Bangash said that no one brought it to our notice that such a big fraud has happened.

The FGEHA officials told the committee that an investment of Rs258 million has been made till date. The committee chairman ordered them to consult with senators Saifullah and Fida Muhammad on the issue.