KARACHI, March 18: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan said that the objective of the Lyari Expressway was not only the construction of a highway but to provide a better housing environment to resettle people and to protect them from the hazardous environment of the Lyari River.

Dr Ibad said this while presiding over a meeting held at the Governor’s House here on Saturday evening in which the progress of the work on the Lyari Expressway was reviewed.

He directed the authorities concerned to conduct a detailed study regarding the river’s environment.

The meeting was informed that 51 per cent work on this 16.50 km long two-way highway had been completed.

The governor directed that all the hurdles in the way should be removed amicably and the project be completed according to the programme.

The programme envisages removal of garbage dumps and encroachments from both sides, growth of greenery around and in the middle of the highway and better lighting arrangements. It was pointed out that the National Highway Authority was working in this regard.

Dr Ibad asked the authority to expedite the construction of the new road linking Orangi-Qasba with the city.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Fazlur Rehman, Principal Secretary Mohammed Saleem Khan, Secretary Local Government Mohammed Ishaq Lashari, DCO Fazlur Rehman, Lyari Resettlement Project Director Shafiqur Rehman Paracha, Yusuf Barakzai of the NHA, Brig Falak Sher of the FWO, EDO Revenue Saleh Farooqi and others.—APP