Scope of AHS to be extended across Punjab: CM

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Aashiyana housing scheme (AHS) is an excellent project under which modern residential facilities would be available to the poor and the common man on the pattern of the housing schemes for the elite.

This was stated by him during a visit for reviewing the pace of implementation of extension project of Bhatta Chowk and Aashiyanahousing scheme at Saroba Atari, here today.

The Chief Minister said that the credit for low-cost housing scheme goes to Pakistan Muslim League-N which has materialized the dream of the common man to have his own house.

He said that project of construction of college, playground and gymnasium should also be made part of Aashiyana housing scheme while extension project of Bhatta Chowk should be completed by May 10th for streamlining the flow of traffic and providing relief to the people at the earliest.

The Chief Minister said that a low-cost housing scheme has been initiated for the poor and the common man first time in the history of the country which will promote a realization in the ordinary citizens that they have as much right over national resources as the elite classes.

He said that Aashiyana housing schemes are being developed on high value land nearest to the cities. He said that after Lahore, approval has also been granted for Aashiyana housing scheme in Jehlum, Sargodha, Sahiwal and Faisalabad and the scope of the scheme will be extended to the whole province. He said that allotment of houses in Aashiyana housing scheme will be made through balloting in a highly transparent manner and ten percent quota has been allocated for martyrs, widows, orphans and disabled persons in these schemes. He said that maximum resources are being utilized for the early completion of Aashiyana housing scheme and a modern infrastructure is also being developed.

He directed that the project for setting up a 50-bed hospital and extension of approach road from Ferozpur Road to Aashiyana housing scheme should be evolved while steps should also be taken to cover the drain passing by the scheme. He further directed that suitable locations should be identified for the construction of college, gymnasium and a playground under this scheme and a detailed briefing should be given to him in this regard during his next visit. He directed Director General PHA to evolve a plan for developing an excellent and eye-catching park in Aashiyana housing scheme.

The Chief Minister further said that modern infrastructure is of vital importance for rapid development and Punjab government is paying special attention to this sector. He said that all development projects are being completed in a transparent manner and within timeframe and the condition of third-party audit is being strictly followed. He said that people are facing serious problems due to load of traffic at Bhatta Chowk and there are frequent traffic jams.

He said that extension of Bhatta Chowk will improve traffic system and provide relief to the people. Taking notice of dilapidated condition of Bedian Road, the Chief Minister issued instructions for evolving a project for its improvement.

Earlier, Commissioner Lahore gave a detailed briefing regarding the pace of implementation of Bhatta chowk extension project. He said that construction work is being undertaken round the clock on this 2.4 km long project and all possible measures are being taken for this purpose. Chairman Punjab Land Development Company and Member Punjab Assembly Sh. Allauddin gave briefing regarding implementation of Aashiyana housing scheme.

Chairman Punjab LandDevelopment Company Sh. Allauddin, Commissioner and DistrictCoordination Officer Lahore, Sector Incharge National Logistic Cell,Directors General LDA and PHA and senior officers concerned werepresent on the occasion.