Lahore: The Punjab government will constitute a committee to redress the issues faced by the construction industry, a news source reported.
A directive to this effect was issued in a meeting between Punjab Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht, Punjab Communication and Works Minister Sardar Muhammad Asif Nakai, and Constructors Association of Pakistan (CAP) Chairman Chaudhary Habib Kanwal.
During the meeting, the ministers urged construction companies to use local materials and man power.
The CAP delegation, in attendance, apprised the ministers of the problems faced by the industry. One major concern raised concerned the disparity between market rates and those offered by the government. The delegation urged the government to adjust its rates in line with market value. Presently, the rates listed in the Market Rate Schedule differ from the prevailing market rates.
They also urged the government to end the practice of releasing funds at the end of a financial year. In instances of delays in funds release, they demanded that an extension of time limit should also be granted.
