KARACHI, Feb 26: Additional Chief Secretary Local Government, Mohammed Saleem Khan, has said that resettlement of people affected by the Lyari Expressway is a model project which would not only improve the lifestyle of low-income group people but also help provide better residential facilities.

He made these observations at a briefing held for him by the Lyari Expressway Resettlement Project authorities. Senior officials associated with the project were present on the occasion.

Mr Khan suggested that the relocated families should have the facilities of education, health and social welfare in the light of the social survey carried out with regard to the living conditions.

He called for community welfare schemes for the people and proposed that both the government and people should initiate such schemes with collective efforts through City Community Board.

The ACS emphasized on government-NGOs collaboration in bringing about an improvement in the quality of life of the people. He appreciated establishment of a market for the supply of building construction material to the shifted families at lower than market rates.

He visited the market and talked to the shopkeepers and customers to check the prices. He also visited under-construction school, mosque and park. Mr Khan pointed out that the KWSB and KESC as well as the Education and Health departments were working together to make this project a success.

He observed that for developing a settlement with all basic amenities was a gigantic task requiring years to complete. "Those shifted under Lyari Expressway resettlement project are fortunate enough to own their new abodes alongwith the all basic facilities, which many areas still lack," he remarked.

Earlier, Project Director Shafiqur Rehman Paracha informed the chief secretary that the government had allotted land to the affected people at Hawkesbay, in Taisar Town and Baldia Town.

He said that the project was nearing completion at the first site, Hawkesbay while at the second site, Taisar Town, the rehabilitation process had commenced.

The ACS, along with the project director, visited the rehabilitation site in Taisar Town and expressed satisfaction over the process and the pace of work there. He noted with delight that provisions for school, dispensary, hospital, community centre, playgrounds, parks, transport facilities etc. had been made there. -APP