ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Housing Secretary Iftikhar Ali Shallwani on Tuesday directed the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) to expedite efforts for restarting construction of Kashmir apartments in sector G-13.

He issued these directions during his visit to the site along with FGEHA Director General Tariq Rashid.

He also visited Bhara Kahu Green Enclave I-II projects.

Inspecting the site of the apartment building, he expressed concern over work suspended by the contractor due to escalation in the prices of raw materials. The secretary also pointed out that price escalation must be verified from Bureau of Statistics.

He said the quality and timely completion of the project must be ensured in order to provide modern residential facilities to employees in the shortest possible time.

The project was inaugurated in April 2019. However, in January this year construction work was stopped by the contractor due to increase in prices of construction material.

The FGEHA on its website stated that the project consists of three towers, each with a basement and ground plus 21 floors. The design consists of 1,467 apartments out of which 714 will have an area of 1,300 square feet each while 753 apartments will have an area of 11 square feet. The basements of the buildings will be reserved for car parking and the ground floors for amenities.

The secretary was told that FGEHA has been working towards settling down the issue of price hike with the contractor after which work will be started again.

Meanwhile, the secretary while visiting Green Enclave Housing Projects called for early completion of this housing scheme. An official of the housing ministry said that around 40 percent work on this scheme has been completed.

Mr Shallwani emphasised on completion of the project in the shortest possible time.

“Moreover, people’s trust and hopes in the department needs to be maintained through efficacy and following of deadlines,” the secretary said, adding that special attention should be paid to gardening activities to create a more conducive environment in the Green Enclave.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2022