The housing problem has become worsen in the big cities of the country, government will introduce one room housing scheme by the end of current fiscal year, says Federal Minister for Housing and Services, Syed Safwanullah here on Monday.
"The ownership rights of the housing projects of Pakistan Housing Authority have been settled down on principle basis, no corruption scandal will come on scene during my tenure," he said.
The minister was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the resale of PCB flats, which were constructed by Pakistan Housing Authority. Managing Director PHA, Sabir P Chohan were also present on the occasion.
Syed Safwanullah said that the working relationship between Karachi and Islamabad being worsen day by day and it is feared that people who have been looking for home would sneak in to any open door.
"By the end of current fiscal year, government will launch one room housing scheme for the low income people of the country, comprising clerk, naib qasid, and others", he apprised.
Criticising the private builders, he said that they don't look after the future needs of the healthy environment for the inhabitants, during planning a housing project.
They only try to sale the house after completing its construction, they don't care about the grievances of common man, if they get approval for the plot of 150 square yards then show 200 square yards as covered area to the innocent public.
Most of the housing units are filled with suffocation, and basic facilities of recreation are also not being provided to the people.
" In the housing projects of PHA, we have given sufficient open place, the problem of land rights has also bee resolved, principle decisions have also be taken after consensus of all stake holders, the agreement will be turned into black and white within few days," he apprised.
To a query regarding exorbitant prices of the houses, he said, government has maintained a very good standard, and making it affordable for the common man. He said that some house financing organisations were also contacting in this regard.
Chairman PHA said that around 4500 flats are being construed all over the country by PHA for the lower income people.
" Our objective is not to earn profit rather providing a provision of easy housing to the people, the recent steps of the government regarding giving relaxation in the taxes will provide relief to the public and in next five years duty will be zero", he said.
He apprised that present at least three persons are living in a house of single room.
To a query he replied that House Building Finance Corporation has undertaken investment in the residential project under the Islamic banking, according to which 10% of the profit will be given to it ie Rs 100 million. He apprised that around 50 million rupees have bee paid to HBFC under the scheme.