By our correspondent
CHAKWAL: The ambitious “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing scheme, launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has run into serious challenges as skyrocketing prices of cement, bricks, sand, gravel, steel, and other construction materials have left many borrowers struggling to complete their homes.
Under the scheme, hundreds of homeless residents across Punjab, including Chakwal, received interest-free loans of PKR 15 lakh to build their houses. Despite spending the funds diligently, many borrowers have been unable to complete construction due to soaring material costs, with brick prices reaching PKR 18,000 per thousand, and sand, gravel, steel, and other essentials also hitting unprecedented highs.
Adding to the difficulties, officials from Akhuwat Foundation—the institution responsible for disbursing and monitoring the loans—have reportedly pressured borrowers to finish construction, insisting on plastering, doors, and decorative work, even when residents faced financial and logistical hardships. Borrowers claimed that staff advised them to take additional loans if necessary to complete their homes, placing further strain on already vulnerable families.
Residents have appealed to the Chief Minister to take action against profiteering suppliers and ensure affordable access to construction materials. They also urged Akhuwat Foundation leadership to ease pressure on borrowers, allowing them to complete homes using available resources rather than being forced into additional debt.
The scheme’s beneficiaries stressed that the purpose of the program should be to help the homeless achieve homeownership, not to trap them in a cycle of financial stress due to soaring prices and administrative pressures.
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