ISLAMABAD, Dec 10: The process of constructing multi-storey buildings in the federal capital is underway to facilitate government employees, said Federal Minister for Housing and Works Syed Safwanullah.

It has been proposed that instead of erecting horizontal buildings, the trend of multi-storey buildings should be promoted to provide accommodation to government employees, especially those belonging to low-income group, the minister said in an interview.

He said different construction companies, including Chinese International Industrial and Commerce Company, had shown interest in constructing these housing units. Mr Safwan said all new buildings would be constructed according to latest building codes and techniques.

Answering a question about the current policy of allotment of residential places to government employees, he said the policy required a shift in the face of growing demand for accommodation.

“I have already made it clear in the Parliament that due to multifarious issues and tremendous increase in the number of government employees, the existing policy may be changed,” the minister added.

He said the ministry had floated the proposal of inclusion of government employees’ rental charges in their salary to make the process easier for them.

The proposal has been submitted to the Finance Division, he added. “About 10,000 to 15,000 housing units will soon be constructed in the capital on private-public partnership basis after sorting out modalities,” he said.

Like 1,000 residential housing units constructed in G-11/4, these new units will be given on ownership basis, the minister said.

Replying to a question about the recent construction boom in the capital, he said it was a good omen that different local and foreign companies were investing in various projects.

“It will encourage latest construction techniques besides providing job opportunities to a large number of skilled people.”

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