THE Standing Committee on Housing and Works has directed the authorities to expedite the resolution of long-pending housing projects under Pakistan Housing Authority Foundation (PHAF) and Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA). Several of these housing projects have remained stalled or entangled in administrative, infrastructural, legal and civic issues for years. For the people who invest in housing schemes, the delay is far more than an administrative inconvenience. It involves their hard-earned money, years of savings and often their hopes of finally owning a home.
Mostly, the people duly and honestly pay their installments according to agreed schedule, yet the promised plot, land or house is not handed over within stipulated time. They have little recourse when developers or authorities fail to meet their commitments. This situation demands a fundamental change in the way housing projects are regulated and administered. A comprehensive and enforceable mechanism should be evolved for both government-owned and private housing schemes, clearly defining timelines for development, possession and provision of essential services. Most importantly, failure to meet contractual commitments without a legally justified reason should attract compensation to the purchasers. Government agencies should not be exempt from accountability merely because they are public institutions. Likewise, private developers must not be allowed to collect money for years while leaving buyers waiting indefinitely. A transparent monitoring and grievance redress system, with penalties and compensation built into the regulatory framework, would restore public confidence.
The committee’s intervention is therefore welcome. It has also directed the CDA to complete the access road for the PHAF Officers Residencia Kurri Road project within three months and sought reports on progress. In FGEHA schemes, the committee reviewed pending inquiries and litigation, while authorities were asked to address outstanding issues without further delay. Such directions must be followed by firm oversight and measurable progress. What is needed now is not another round of assurances, but deadlines that are respected, commitments that are honoured and a system that protects ordinary people whose only mistake is believing that paying for a home should eventually result in getting one.
