ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved a Rs3 billion project for constructing new government officers’ residencies in Islamabad, marking the latest addition to the civic body’s push to expand official housing facilities amid a chronic shortage of accommodation for federal employees.

The project, cleared during the CDA Development Working Party (DWP) meeting chaired by Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, involves the construction of a ground-plus-14-floor residential tower. The scheme includes complete electrical, mechanical and horticulture works, with a planned completion time of 24 months.

According to officials, the federal capital has long struggled with a widening gap between housing demand and the limited number of government-owned units. Thousands of federal employees remain on waiting lists for official residences, forcing many to either rent at high market rates or seek accommodation far from their respective workplaces.

The CDA has previously relied on scattered, decades-old housing blocks that no longer meet modern requirements. Recent audits have also underscored structural fatigue and inadequate maintenance across several government quarters, increasing the pressure on the civic agency to develop new, purpose-built facilities.