NHP addresses all housing issues: minister

Minister for Housing and Works Syed Safwanullah has said that National Housing Policy (NHP) framed by the government in year 2001 addresses all the issues pertaining to housing sector.
Talking to APP here on Sunday the minister said all the areas in National Housing Policy were covered extensively while efforts are being taken to plug the gray areas.
He said all the provincial, district and city governments are part and parcel of NHP and the government is keen to take them on board on all issues. "As it is our desire to pacify their concerns about certain issues so that no one should feel neglected," he added.
He said a joint consensus among all the stakeholders is their top priority.
Safwanullah to a question said the scope of this policy is broad one and being implemented to requirements.
The minister also rejected certain reports about the submission of a new housing policy by stating that the current policy will remain effective till the year 2010. The minister to a question said due to population growth the housing issue remains the focal one.
Workable suggestions and plans are given due heed but a lasting cooperation from private stakeholders involved in this sector is also vital.
He said government has always encouraged public-private partnership.
Explaining steps for the solution of housing issue especially for the low paid government employees in Federal Capital he said initiative for the construction of low cost houses has been taken.
About 10,000 to 15,000 housing units for the low paid government employees would be constructed to resolve their residential issue, he added.
He said public-private cooperation is being sought out to encourage a new trend for the construction of multi-storey buildings.
"We are waiting for CIIC, a component of seven-member Chinese construction companies, response who held detailed meetings with the ministry officials during their visit.
Moreover, search for a suitable site also continues and the Capital Development Authority has been asked to expedite work on provision of land, the minister added.
Safwan said only provision of cheaper land would be 'the most positive go ahead step.'
While provision of loans on easy terms by banks is the other key factor which can enable the low paid group to overcome their financial crunches in finding a residential place, he added.