Senators slam PHA over stalled projects

Standing Committee also reviews poor performance of Public Works Department

ISLAMABAD:

The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) over delays in project completion.

During a meeting at the Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat in Islamabad, Senator Nasir Mahmood Butt criticised the lack of progress and accountability. "If you're unwilling to talk to the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) government, two years have already passed, and three more will pass the same way," he said. "If the children of the PTI founder return to engage in political activity, the law will take its course."

The committee discussed issues affecting public services such as delays in housing projects, stalled repair work, illegal encroachments, and lack of resources. Taking serious notice of delays in repairing elevators that have been non-functional since 2006, Senator Butt demanded an explanation from the authorities concerned. "The core objective of this committee is to facilitate the public, not to hinder development," he said.

In response, PHA officials said that a lack of resources is the primary reason for the delays and informed the committee that two elevators have been repaired, installation work on three others is underway, and one remains under construction. The committee also raised serious concerns over the misuse of public funds, particularly discussing a case involving the illegal occupation of 38 kanals of land in Murree. The PHA chairman said that legal action in the Islamabad High Court led to the eviction of the occupants, and now the department is recovering rent for the occupied period.

The committee also reviewed the poor performance of the Public Works Department (PWD), while some members suggested its closure. However, Senator Butt cautioned, "We must consider the future of its employees before making such a decision," and directed the issue to be added to the next meeting's agenda for a thorough solution.

During the meeting, parking shortages in Islamabad were also discussed. The committee was informed that the allocated budget of Rs154 million for parking space projects is insufficient. It recommended an increased budget to ensure timely completion.

In the end, Senator Butt reaffirmed the committee's commitment to monitoring progress, ensuring transparency, and completing public welfare projects on time. "Public needs will always be our top priority," he said, directing all relevant departments to expedite pending projects, eliminate illegal encroachments, and improve service delivery.

The meeting was attended by Senators Hasna Bano, Khalida Ateeb, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Niazi, Hidayatullah Khan, and Saifullah Abro, along with senior officials from the PHA Foundation and other relevant departments.