The citizens of Karachi have a number of grievances against private builders and developers andthe way they operate. These private builders announce schemes, which sound very attractive and promising, offering housing units at reasonable prices. Once bookingsare secured, the private builders move the goal post, demanding payments over and above those initially announced on one pretext or the. This putsthe revised cost of the unit beyond the reach of the buyer and causes enormous hardship,particularly to the low-income group.
The Karachi Development Authority (KDA) had therefore set up a department under the name "Commercial Housing Scheme" in 1979, with the approval of Governing Body, of defunct KDA vide its Resolution No.246 dated 05.08.1979. In view of the growing market needs the scope of Commercial Housing Scheme increased and itwas renamed as "PUBLIC HOUSING SCHEME" (PHS) KDA in 1981, vide G.B. Resolution No. 691 dated 25.10.1981. Public Housing Scheme has increased activities by bringing new projects for all income groups at reasonable/affordable prices. A good number of housing units have been built for Pakistanis living abroad.
Although the PHS Department has played a relatively small role in the construction industry of Karachi,nevertheless, it has established a trend by designing its projects on the provision of a good quality of environment and construction.Moreover, no increasein the initial cost of the unit is ever made by the PHS Department as is done by most of the private builders.
The PHS Department has launched 34 projects indifferent Schemes and Township ofdefunct KDA for low, middle and high-income groups.These 34 projects have been completed.The Department hasto-date constructed 7506 units as detailed below:-
Residential 5953
Commercial 1481
Offices 72
Total:- 7506
The importance has been given to provide housing to common man. Hence out of 5953 residential units 4555 units were constructed for low-income group in North Karachi Township, Surjani Town & Shah Latif Town and HBFC loan facility was also extended for the allottee.