- December 8, 2023
- Posted by: Muhammad Afzaal
- Category: RBS News
The Housing Ministry is facing scrutiny regarding the misallocation of funds within the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority FGEHA’s Projects. The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works has requested a report on the utilization of PKR 500 million allocated for development initiatives, seeking details on progress and project status.
Senator Haji Hidayatullah, leading the committee, criticized officials, including the housing secretary, for engaging in corrupt practices and making unlawful appointments. Apart from causing financial losses to the treasury, these actions could affect government employees who were designated residences in housing projects overseen by the FGEHA.
Read: Senate Committee Urges The Rapid Completion Of The FGEHA Housing Projects
The committee highlighted disparities in the allocation of seats to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the disregard for the provincial quota during recruitment. Also, Captain (retired) Mr. Zafar Iqbal, the FGEHA’s Director General, reported the initiation of four projects:
- Kashmir Heights
- Chaklala Heights
- Lifestyle Residency
- Skyline Apartments
The concerns raised by the committee regarding the awarding of the ‘Lifestyle Residency‘ contract to a company lacking the necessary certification and experience. Although, this along with insufficient funds to carry out the project.
Read: PM Shall Constitute A Committee To Oversee The Projects Undertaken By PHAF And FGEHA
Construction on ‘Chaklala Heights‘ began in 2020 but halted due to inflation and the pandemic. Moreover, other projects faced similar setbacks, leading to increased expenses and wastage of resources, as highlighted by the committee.
Furthermore, Dr. Shahzad Khan Bangash, the housing department secretary, stated that contractors renegotiated agreements due to their refusal to continue work at the initial costs.
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