THE government should earmark certain government land which should be given on a long-term lease to private developers and builders for constructing low-cost apartment which can be rented out to low-income residents.

Vacant and undeveloped government land in big cities and towns can be offered on a free-of-cost lease of 35 years to private builders who can make low-cost flats of 750 sq ft and 1,000 sq ft. These flats can be rented for Rs5,000 and Rs7,000 respectively which is reasonable for someone earing Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per month.

During the lease period, the builder will recover his cost and make some additional profit. After 35 years, the land and building would still be government property.

Many international development funds and charitable organisation would also be welcome to invest.

Such housing schemes will not only solve housing problems but also step up construction activity. In many European countries, the US and Australia this is a common practice. They have strong rental laws to protect landlords and property owners’ interests.

Our government should also follow these examples as it will help solve our housing problem.

Noorbhai Millwala
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2018