30 September 2004	Thursday	14 Shaban 1425

KARACHI, Sept 29: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has directed the authorities concerned to work in cooperation with the MPAs and other elected representatives for the provision of right of way for the construction of Lyari Expressway.

Reviewing the pace of work on Lyari Expressway at a meeting held at Governor House on Tuesday evening, the governor pointed out that as per programme 60 per cent of right of way would be made available by Sept 30 so that the project could be completed on time.

The meeting was attended by MPA Abdul Sattar Ansari, Chief Minister's Adviser Mumtaz Hameed, Principal Secretary Brig Akhtar Zamin, DCO Mir Hussain Ali, Lyari Expressway Resettlement Project Director Shafiqur Rehman Paracha and other officials.

Mr Ibad made it clear that the objective of constructing Lyari Expressway was to bring improvement in traffic and environment and to shift people out of garbage near Lyari river.

He observed that this project was suffering from delay since 1958 and could be started under the patronage of President Musharraf. He said the president had issued directive for better resettlement of shifting families and their proper care.

Dr Ibad directed the authorities concerned to make every effort to ensure transparency in the shifting process. He directed that action should be taken without any discrimination against the members of land mafia and those who dupe the innocent people.

Lyari Expressway Resettlement Project Director Shafiqur Rehman Paracha informed the governor about the drowning of a child in Lyari river a few days back. He said that the child drowned while playing in a pond of filthy water and some 100 people made hectic search of him. He said it was a very painful sight where everyone was helpless.

The governor expressed sorrow over the incident and said that attention was being paid on this project to come out of such regrettable conditions. He directed that leftover shifting work should be completed within two days. -APP