April 24, 2006	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 25, 1427

KARACHI, April 23: The city nazim, Syed Mustafa Kamal, taking note of the severe traffic jam at Nagan Chowrangi, Pak Colony and New Karachi directed the departments concerned to open the roads for the flow of traffic by completing the ongoing road construction work within 15 days.

He also issued directives to build alternative paths before the commencement of work on the Hasan Square and National Stadium flyovers.

Mr Kamal on Sunday visited various parts of city with DIG Traffic Falak Khursheed, EDO Works and Services Syed Sarfraz Ali Shah, EDO Transport Mohammad Athar and other officers and examined the ongoing development works and inquired the pace of work.

He directed EDO transport to make a composite traffic plan of alternative routes before the start of uplift works so as to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

Mr Kamal ordered to expedite the ongoing work at Clifton Beach Park (Phase-2) while Pak Colony road, New Karachi 7000 road, Godhra Chowk to Allah Wali Chowrangi New Karachi 7,000 road, 5km New Karachi 5,000 road and 5,200 were ordered to open for traffic within 15 days.

He expressed his annoyance over traffic jams at Nagan Chowrangi and directed to chalk out alternative routes before starting any work. He directed to prominently affix the switch routes.

The nazim was briefed while visiting the city that the ongoing uplift works costing Rs100.5 million were under way while tender for Haider Ali road costing Rs360 million had been given.

On the occasion, a large number of people gathered to see the city nazim. He issued orders on the spot to redress the grievances of the public.

The city nazim also visited Hasan Square, National Stadium and Caresses flyovers and examined the alternative traffic plan.

MILK PRICES: The city government on Sunday took a serious notice of soaring milk prices in Karachi and ordered its officials to take action under the Ordinance 2006 against those selling milk at price exceeding the fixed retail rate of Rs28 per litre.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal held a meeting to discuss the issue of milk price at his office with EDO (Investment and Enterprises) Syed Abid Ali Shah and other officials.

Expressing his displeasure over the recent hike in price of fresh milk, the nazim said that there was no reason to raise milk prices, as the retail and wholesale prices of fresh milk had been fixed at Rs28 and Rs26 per litre, respectively, in a meeting after detailed talks with the milk-sellers. He said that the city government had already issued a formal notification of fixing the retail and wholesale prices of milk at Rs28 and Rs26 per litre, respectively, and now it was the responsibility of the concerned officials of the city government to get these prices fully implemented.

EDO Investment and Enterprises Syed Abid Ali Shah requested the city nazim that on the pattern of anti-profiteering drive launched in the month of Ramazan, DDO Revenue, TMOs, DDO E&IP and Mukhtiarkars should be given magisterial powers so that an aggressive and result-oriented drive could be launched against the profiteer milk-sellers.

Mustafa Kamal directed the E&IP department and DDO Revenue to take action against those selling milk at price exceeding the fixed rate. He warned the milk-sellers to refrain from overcharging, otherwise, strict action would be taken against them.

Hospital project: Investors of Saudi Arabia want to set up a hospital complex in Korangi with a cost of Rs350 million.

In this regard, a delegation of Pakistani doctors residing in Saudi Arabia and the USA, led by Union Bank President Shaukat Tareen, called on City Nazim Mustafa Kamal at his office and briefed him about the details of project.

They said that Pakistani doctors with the help of Suadi investors wanted to establish a big hospital complex in Korangi at the cost of Rs350 million. They said that 50 per cent patients in this hospital would be provided with free medical treatment, while the remaining 50 per cent patients would have to pay fair charges. In this regard, they sought a piece of land in Korangi from the city government.

The nazim said that city government was encouraging private sector to work for the welfare of citizens. He said that after the construction of hospital complex, its land would remain in the ownership of city government.

He said that before making an agreement in this regard the equity and value of the land would be determined. He said that in the feasibility report it would be assessed that which facilities would be provided at the hospital for poor patients under the joint venture. He said that a social committee comprised of city elders belonging to healthcare sectors would also be formed to supervise free medical treatment of deserving patients in the hospital.

In the meeting, it was decided that the hospital would be run on no-profit no-loss basis.—PPI