Private sector housing schemes in focus

Chief Minister Gandapur orders work on New Peshawar Valley project expedited

PESHAWAR:

An important meeting concerning the development of the housing sector took place on Wednesday, chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur.

Critical issues pertaining to both public and private-sector housing schemes were thoroughly discussed during the session. Among the attendees were Provincial Minister Arshad Aiyub, Fazal Hakeem, Tehsil Chairman Mathra Inaam Ullah Khan, administrative secretaries of relevant departments, the commissioner of Peshawar, the deputy commissioner of Peshawar, and other pertinent officials.

Chief Minister Khan emphasized the pressing need for housing infrastructure development that aligns with contemporary requirements, particularly focusing on the urban periphery.

He reaffirmed his government’s dedication to infrastructure and urban development, as well as its commitment to fostering investment and improving the business environment in the province.

Highlighting the government’s stance, Khan stated, “Our administration is poised not only to encourage private sector investment but also to provide comprehensive support to investors interested in the province.”

He instructed the concerned authorities to take practical measures to attract and facilitate private-sector investment, including proposing necessary amendments to streamline the investment process.

Furthermore, Khan underscored that these initiatives would positively impact people’s lifestyles by fostering a conducive environment, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the overall economic landscape of the province.

The chief minister emphasized the importance of a realistic and integrated strategy involving the provincial housing department and all stakeholders to achieve these objectives.

Specifically addressing the New Peshawar Valley Project, Khan urged authorities to expedite its progress, advocating for its execution through the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) mode in a phased manner.

Additionally, he urged the acceleration of work on all ongoing and newly approved housing schemes, stressing their timely completion. Khan highlighted that upon their completion, these projects would not only offer favorable residential facilities to the public but also significantly increase the provincial government’s revenue through increased investment and economic activities.

A day earlier, in a bid to provide quality health care facilities to people at the provincial level, the chief minister had announced establishing liver transplant and bone marrow transplant centres in the province, and directed the finance department to provide funds on priority basis.

Various matters and proposals were discussed with the aim of realizing the decisions regarding the establishment of liver and bone marrow transplant centers.

This initiative marks the first-ever government-level endeavor of its kind in the province. It was decided during the meeting that initially, the liver transplant center would be set up at the Institute of Kidney Diseases in Peshawar, with plans to later relocate it to the under-construction building of Khyber Medical University.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2024.