Fozia Azam

Federal Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman has said that in future climate resilient infrastructure should be developed to reduce the risk of losses and damages. She said it is very important that resilient infrastructure is developed on modern lines so that houses and public infrastructure can withstand the increased threat of climate induced disasters, while speaking at the inaugural session of the first International Housing Expo arranged by the Ministry of Housing and Works, here in Islamabad.

Sherry Rehman said that Pakistan suffered losses worth PKR 1.2 trillion in the recent floods in damaged houses alone, adding that this has resulted in the homelessness of millions of poor people in a matter of weeks. She continued, “this makes it imperative that the government devises such policies which centre around the development of houses and infrastructure that is climate resilient and green.”

The Minister said that urbanization in Pakistan is continuing apace and more than 60% of the population will live in cities very soon. “Therefore, we need to have a policy for sustainable urbanization so that municipal services are provided to people living in the cities.” Deputy Chairman Senate, Mirza Muhammad Afridi, speaking at the occasion said that the construction sector of the economy is very important to reduce the crises of housing in the country, adding that it is also vital to provide jobs and contribute towards the growth of national economy.

Federal Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Works, Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, for his part said that government needs the help of private sector to resolve the housing crises in the country. He added, “public-private partnerships for the growth of the construction sector are essential. This expo has been arranged on the same lines.” He informed the audience that the government was making plans to introduce the culture of vertical housing in the country in collaboration with the private sector.

“We have organized various sessions in the expo for public-private collaboration and sharing ideas so that resilient, green and affordable housing could be provided for the people of Pakistan.” President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, said that the collaboration between ICCI and Ministry of Housing and Works in arranging the housing expo will serve as a blueprint for future partnerships.

He stressed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad to provide land for the development of housing projects, hospitals and schools for the members of business community. He also asked the CDA to give ICCI permanent representation on its board so that problems faced by the business community could be addressed on priority basis. He impressed upon the government to fully cooperate with ICCI in establishing a new industrial zone in the region. He said that the Islamabad Citizen Club should be revived urgently and that ICCI should be given representation in its administration.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk