FGEHF directed to take action against encroachments, non-conforming use of properties

Islamabad

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Housing and Works has directed Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (FGEHF) for perpetual action against encroachments and non-conforming use of residential and commercial properties in sectors under its administrative control.

The committee also directed for submission of a monthly progress report on actions against encroachers and non-conformers to the standing committee. The committee met in Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari, MNA.

The committee was apprised that Enforcement Wing of FGEHF had initiated action against encroachers and non conformists in Sector G-13 and G-14 after fulfilling legal formalities.

FGEHF director general informed that indiscriminate action would be taken in this 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 further informed that initially CDA was awarded development and maintenance work, however, Federal Ombudsman on a complaint held that Foundation should carry out the work at its own through third party. He pointed out reluctance of CDA to reconcile spending of Rs600 million for the purpose.

The committee expressed its concern on allocation of meagre amount to Ministry 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 Rs225 approximately per accommodation were allocated which had incapacitated the Ministry to carryout maintenance work.

He suggested to call Secretary Finance and Chairman, CDA to discuss the issues in question. The Committee decided to call Chairman CDA and Secretary of Finance Division in its next meeting to sort out both the issues.

Apprising about the update on the Bhara Kahu Housing Scheme, Director General FGEHF informed that issues with the land provider had already been settled after intervention of NAB, the layout plan had 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. He assured the Committee that the updates in that regard would be shared with the Committee.

 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 in Federal Lodges in provincial capitals.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Housing and Works Akram Khan Durrani and MNAs Rajab Ali Khan Baloch,  Rana Zahid Hussain Khan, Sahibzada Faiz-ul-Hassan, Tahira Aurangzeb, Khalida Mansoor, Nighat Parveen Mir, Sajid Nawaz Khan, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Secretary Housing and Works and other senior officers of the concerned departments.