Housing Secretary reviews F-14/F-15 progress, directs swift completion of development works, resolution of land issues

ISLAMABAD, Jun 08 (APP): Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Works, Captain (Retd.) Muhammad Mahmood, paid a detailed visit to FGEHA Sectors F-14/F-15 to review the progress of ongoing development activities.

He was accompanied by Director General FGEHA, Captain (Retd.) Zafar Iqbal, senior officials of FGEHA and NLC.

During the visit, Senior Project Manager NLC, Israr-ul-Haq, briefed the Secretary on the current status of the project and ongoing development works.

Emphasizing the need for expeditious resolution of pending land-related issues and Built-Up Property (BUP) cases, it was decided that separate teams would be constituted to deal with routine and priority cases to remove impediments to development activities at the earliest.

With the vision of transforming Sectors F-14/F-15 into one of Islamabad’s most modern and exemplary residential developments, it was agreed to incorporate advanced landscaping, value-added features, environmentally sustainable infrastructure, and high-quality urban planning into the project.

The Secretary also stressed the importance of preparing a comprehensive horticulture plan, focusing on the preservation of indigenous trees and green areas to provide the sectors with a unique and attractive identity.

Promoting the concept of sustainable development, it was recommended that environmentally friendly initiatives such as cycle tracks, solar power generation facilities, rainwater harvesting systems, and sustainable check dams be incorporated into the project to ensure efficient utilization of energy and water resources.

It was further decided that the horticulture plan would be reviewed on a monthly basis, while progress on development works, civic amenities, and land-related matters would be reviewed every fortnight. In addition, weekly progress reports will be submitted regularly to ensure effective monitoring of the project.

During the visit, special emphasis was placed on the timely provision of essential civic amenities, including water supply, electricity, sewerage, drainage systems, street lighting, main boulevards, and internal road networks.

The Secretary directed that work related to sewerage, drainage, electricity supply, and installation of streetlights along major roads be expedited. He further instructed the concerned authorities to maintain close coordination with IESCO to resolve all electricity-related matters on a priority basis and to initiate the installation and expansion of the power distribution network without delay.

Highlighting the importance of renewable energy, the Secretary directed the relevant officials to immediately conduct a survey to identify suitable locations for the establishment of a solar power plant within the sectors and to prepare a comprehensive implementation plan to meet future energy requirements through environmentally sustainable sources.

The importance of effectively connecting Sectors F-14/F-15 with commercial centers and ensuring the completion of all development targets within the stipulated timeframe was also underscored.

On this occasion, Director General FGEHA, Captain (Retd.) Zafar Iqbal, presented several key proposals aimed at promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible development. He emphasized the significance of establishing sustainable check dams within the sectors for effective rainwater storage and the conservation of underground water resources. He also highlighted the need for comprehensive feasibility studies and practical planning in this regard.

The Director General further proposed a review of best national and international models for mosque design and construction, along with a reassessment of the existing plans, to ensure that mosques not only fulfill religious requirements but also contribute significantly to the overall aesthetics and identity of the sectors.

To safeguard land and prevent unauthorized development, the Director General directed the concerned authorities to initiate legal action against all illegal constructions and encroachments and to issue notices immediately, ensuring timely mitigation of factors affecting the master plan and development activities.

Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Works carefully considered the proposals presented by the Director General FGEHA and other concerned officials. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to provide modern, quality housing facilities to federal government employees and to develop Sectors F-14/F-15 into a model, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable residential community.