KARACHI: Rs1 billion sanctioned for coastal highway: CM attends NHA briefing
KARACHI, July 22: Sindh Chief Minister Sardar Ali Mohammad Khan Mahar has said that the federal government has approved a sum of Rs1 billion for the construction of coastal highway which would be completed in an year’s time.
At a briefing by the general manager of the National Highway Authority, Sindh, Choudhry Mujeeb Qadir, the cheif minister said that the coastal highway would be from Karachi to the coastal belt and will connect the districts of Thatta, Badin and Tharparkar to the new highway and will go up to Islamkot.
He also directed that the encroachment on either side of Superhighway at Sohrab Goth be removed and tree plantation be undertaken.
The chief minister directed the NHA personnel to pay attention to construction of roads in the province so that the people could get better communication facility.
On the occasion, he was informed that the NHA would complete the work of Ghakar Patkah bridge in two months’ time.
The CM was further informed that under the World Bank’s repair and renovation programme, the work on either side of road from Hyderabad to Moro is being initiated.
It was stated that the dangerous turning near Matiari would be straightened by extending it, in order to help prevent accidents.
Due to rush in Matiari, the traffic often remains stuck up and for resolving this problem, an alternative road would be constructed, for which the amount has been made available and that the road would be made dual.
In connection with the improvement and extension of the Indus Highway from Jamshoro to Sehwan, he said that at important places and turning clear signboards would be fixed to facilitate the flow of traffic at night.
The NHA Sindh GM informed the chief minister that from Sohrab Goth to Hyderabad, indicators have been fixed and glittering marking has been done on the either side of the road so as to facilitate night-time traffic.
The chief minister directed the NHA that the damaged superhighway patches be repaired on an urgent basis.
Talking to various delegations, Sindh Chief Minister Sardar Ali Mohammad Khan Mahar said that substantial amount has been allocated for development works during the fiscal year 2003-04.
This will help provide basic facilities to the people on the one hand and would create job opportunities on the other.
He stated that the Gorakh Hill would soon be opened for the people as a recreational place. In one year’s time, all basic facilities would be provided, including roads, water, park, mosque and restaurants etc., he said.
The chief minister said that for provision of filtered water in Sukkur and Rohri, a sum of Rs. 370 million had been allocated.
Sindh Finance Minister Syed Sardar Ahmed had a detailed talk with the chief minister regarding development works.
The CM also assured that the rain affected people would be provided the required assistance.
Petroleum Minister Naurez Shakoor called on the Sindh chief minister Sardar Ali Mohammad Khan Mahar and discussed matters relating to petroleum ministry.
Former Federal Minister Senator Nisar Ahmed Memon also met the chief minister.—APP
