PHA signs MoU for construction of 30,000 residential units

Islamabad: The Federal government has decided to start construction of 30,000 residential units, including some flats, under the Prime Minister's one million housing scheme to overcome the ever increasing housing shortage.

The authorities have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with construction company M/S Shaukat Saleem, which will put in place 30,000 houses and flats in Lahore and Faisalabad in the first phase.

Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) Managing Director Raja Muhammad Abbas signed the MoU on behalf of the government, while Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shoukat Saleem signed on behalf of his company.

Federal Minister for Housing and Works Rahmatullah Kakar, Secretary Samiul Haq Khilji and Chief Engineering Advisor Ali Abid were also present on the occasion. It was stated in the memorandum that the proposed low-cost housing project would be executed as a joint venture of the PHA and M/S Shoukat Saleem at Defence Road, Bedian Road, Lahore, and Sargodha Road, Fiasalabad.

The housing units would be offered to the government and semi-government employees, whereas some quota would be allocated for general public. The minister appreciated keenness of the foreign and local companies to invest in the Prime Minister's housing scheme. He said the government would provide all out co-operation and guide prospective investors in executing the mega housing project.

The minister said that the government was fully prepared to initiate work on the project all over the country and all necessary arrangements had been made in this regard. He said that the housing scheme was aimed at providing low-cost houses/flats to the poor, needy, shelterless, government servants and general public at affordable prices.