FGEHA signs deals for new housing projects in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: At a time when several projects of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) are already facing delays, the authority has signed agreements with two private firms to launch two new projects.
According to FGEHA, it “achieved a significant and historic milestone today by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with reputable private sector organisations”.
A press release issued by the authority said: “MoUs were signed between FGEHA and M/s Saadat Enterprises, Chakri Road, Rawalpindi, and separately with M/s Tameer Estate, Angoori Road, Murree, for the development of housing societies.”
These projects will be executed under FGEHA’s Joint Venture (JV) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Rules, the press release said.
It said the first project pertains to the construction of mixed-use apartments on 196 kanals (expandable up to 1,000 kanals) located on Angoori Road, Murree. For this project, FGEHA will act as a facilitator and regulator, while the joint venture partner will be responsible for financing, designing and construction.
The second project involves the development of a housing scheme on approximately 1,400 kanals of land (expandable) located on Chakri Road, Rawalpindi, near the proposed Ring Road.
Speaking on the occasion, FGEHA Director General Captain (retired) Zafar Iqbal appreciated the efforts and contributions of the JV team, especially Director JVP Faiz Umar Sial.
He emphasised that these projects are expected to improve infrastructure, generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity.
The director general further stated that the development aligns with the authority’s vision of ensuring innovation, transparency and efficiency in the housing sector through public-private partnerships. He added that the initiative will promote investment in Pakistan’s housing sector and open new avenues for modern urban development.
It is relevant to note that FGEHA has restarted work on some stalled projects, but several schemes are still facing inordinate delays, causing unrest among allottees. The stalled projects include Green Enclave Bhara Kahu, Kashmir Apartment Project and Lifestyle and Lifestyle Afro Apartments.
Meanwhile, other projects where work is continuing but facing delays and have already missed deadlines include the Sky Garden housing project (Bhara Kahu) and Skyline Apartment Project in Chaklala.
The delay in completion of these projects has put many allottees under stress, who have been demanding the government take steps for their early completion.
It is pertinent to mention that FGEHA launched the Green Enclave Scheme back in 2009, but it suffered years of delay due to litigation and disputes between FGEHA and the contractor. The scheme was later restarted but was halted again several years ago midway.
Meanwhile, the Sky Garden Scheme, a joint venture of FGEHA and a private firm, Sky Gardens, was launched several years ago on a land-sharing model involving up to 11,000 kanals located in Mauza Kathar and Mengal, tehsil and district Murree, near Bhara Kahu. Although work is continuing on this scheme, it has missed its completion timeline.
Meanwhile, the Lifestyle EHFPRO mega apartment projects in sectors G-13 and G-14 have been stalled since 2021, creating unrest and anxiety among hundreds of allottees. Construction of the project began in 2017 with a completion date of July 2020, but after grey structure work, it was halted due to a dispute between the private firm and FGEHA. Similarly, the Kashmir Avenue Apartments Project in G-13 has also remained stalled for years. The project was launched during the PTI government but could not move beyond basement work. As per its initial plan, it was designed to have 1,467 apartments.
When contacted, FGEHA spokesperson Faiz Umar Sial told Dawn on Sunday that the authority was at an advanced stage of restarting stalled projects. “First of all, let me say that work is continuing at full pace in our three schemes, sectors F-14, F-15 and Park Road scheme. This is a major achievement and we are making progress,” he said.
He added that as far as other projects are concerned, “Our issues with the JV partner of Green Enclave Bhara Kahu have almost been settled and soon we will restart work on this scheme. As far as the Sky Garden scheme is concerned, work is continuing and, as you know, last year we handed over possession letters to some allottees [around over 100]. Similarly, work is continuing at the Skyline Apartment Project Chaklala,” he said.
Asked about the Lifestyle mega project, he said, “Earlier, FGEHA was executing this project with a JV partner. We have now taken over the project and FGEHA will construct it on its own. Our transaction firm is about to complete its work, after which we will move for calling expressions of interest.”
“As far as the Kashmir Apartment Project is concerned, after a successful tendering process we recently issued a work order to the lowest bidder, but another bidder has gone into litigation; therefore, work has not started yet. Our legal team is pursuing the case and we will soon formally start work,” he said.
Mr Sial further said the authority is also planning to launch projects in sectors F-12 and G-12.