Karachi - Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, while reviewing Rs10 billion Karachi mega projects on Tuesday, expressed his displeasure over inordinate delay in their completion and said that he had made commitment with the people of Karachi to complete them as early as possible.
“I would not back out of it and know how to get the work done,” he said.
Regarding the University Road to be built from Hassan Square to NIPA at the cost of Rs770 million and from NED to Safora Chowk to be completed at the cost of Rs780 million, the CM was informed that tender of the project had not yet been advertised over which the CM got annoyed and ordered to get it done immediately. When the chief minister asked about the purchase of snorkels of 100-meter long for the city, he was told that the process was in progress.
To this, he replied, “Either work with me or find another job. You have to be responsible, alert and perform on time; otherwise, I am sorry to say you would not be able to work with me,” he gave the message to every one sitting in the meeting room loud and clear.
He was briefed on the reconstruction of Tariq Road. PD Niaz Soomro said that it would be built from Shaheed-e-Millat Road to Shahrah-e-Qauideen and it would cost Rs516 million.
Murad asked the PD to complete the project latest by January 2018. Briefing the CM about the reconstruction of Mosmiyat Road from Madras Chowk to Super Highway, the PD said that contractors had been pre-qualified. “It is Rs200 million scheme, and work on it would get underway very soon,” he informed.
The chief minister said that he would personally check the quality of work.
The CM was further informed that Rs500 million had been approved for building Hub River road. “Only its remaining portion from Sher Shah Bridge to Murshid Hospital would be built, and it would be completed by end of December,” he was told.
Murad was told that re-carpeting of the road from Surjani to Madinatul Hikmat would be done at the cost Rs750 million, and that work was about to begin.
Project director Niaz Soomro discussed the construction of U-turn at Natha Khan Bridge at a cost of Rs141 million, which includes construction of rooftop of a flyover. “Extra land is being acquired from Pakistan Army for which they have give clearance,” the CM was informed. The chief minister said that he had already approved Rs850 million for widening the Shahrah-e-Faisal on both sides from Metropole to Star Gate.
“This portion must be made most beautiful,” he directed.
He directed the PD to also introduce a proper drainage system on the road. “I am keen to perform its ground breaking; therefore expedite the required formalities,” he asked the PD and directed Chief Secretary Siddique Memon to keep reviewing progress on each and every scheme. Murad was also told about remodeling of Baloch Colony flyover to be completed at the cost of Rs120 million.
“Some portions of the flyover would be demolished to make room for an extra lane, and an arrangement would also be made for a bus stop,” he was informed.
Another scheme of Rs505 million that came under discussion was construction of Drig Road underpass along Shahrah-e-Faisal with reconstruction of existing right turn. Regarding the awarding of a contract for a flyover at Manzil Pump N-5, it was told that Rs600 million had been okayed for the project and its tenders had already been invited. The other schemes which were discussed included Rs500 million underpass at Submarine Chowrangi, construction of road from Khairpur Town to Link Road, National Highway, including construction of stretch of a road to connect it with Super Highway.
The chief minister directed chief secretary to review security of the secretariat and open the gates installed at Kamal Ataturk Road.
He gave to the PD completion date of each and every scheme and directed him to stick to the deadlines.
Murad also directed the commissioner Karachi to study the proposal to make I.I Chundrigar Road one-way and make room for a parallel road for light traffic.