KARACHI, Jan 1: A multi-million-rupee sewerage redevelopment scheme for Lyari remains in an abandoned position for the last several years due to non-release of balanced funds, it is learnt here.

The scheme, originally estimated to cost Rs95.5 million, was launched in 1994 under the Tameer Sindh Programme, and till to date Rs40.0 million have been released by the sponsoring and monitoring agency — the Lyari Development Authority.

After the consumption of the released funds, no further funding has so far been made to the KWSB and accordingly no additional work could be initiated, a KWSB communication said.

The scheme was later curtailed to the scope of Rs69.5 million by deleting the component of procurement of sewerage cleaning machines.

Accordingly, the balance amount of Rs29.50 million is yet to be released.

Presently, under the new set-up, “it is learnt that the TSP funding has now been transferred to the finance department instead of the planing and development department.

The KWSB has brought the matter to the notice of the Sindh government and sought its assistance for the release of the balance amount so that the remaining work could be undertaken.

It is also learnt that the KWSB has suggested that if there is no chance for the release of funds, it would take up the remaining component of works of scheme through other funding programmes likewise the KPP (Phase-111) etc.

Meanwhile, in a communication to the Governor, the Lyari Town Office pointed out that people suffer in Lyari town due to neglect and abandonment of various schemes earlier initiated by the developing and civic agencies for public benefit.

The communication endorsed the views of the KWSB and sought removal of all bottlenecks.

A survey shows that the sewerage system in Lyari Town is in state of collapse because of growing population and mushroom growth of multi-storey buildings constructed in a haphazard way by the builders mafia.

The overall sanitary conditions in Lyari cannot be termed satisfactory, some of the areas are really in a pathetic condition because of overflowing gutters and chocked sewers.

One can see a large number of streets in Eidu Lane, Ali Muhammad Mohalla, Shah Baig Lane, Phool Patti Lane, Mandra Mohalla, Daryabad, Nayabad, Rexer Lane, Gul Muhammad Lane, Moosa Lane, Chakiwara, Rangiwara, Tughlaq Lane, Baghdadi and other adjacent areas where sewage is still overflowing.

Besides, the streets are inundated with sewage and residents often get their clothes spoiled.

Moreover, almost all storm-water drains in different parts of Lyari are uncovered and are full of filth and garbage, as they have not been cleaned in a couple of years. Most of the manholes in the area were found without covers, which often cause injuries to the motorists and pose threat to passersby.