KARACHI: City Mayor Waseem Akhtar on Saturday said the construction work of the Golimar underpass would be completed by Jan 15, which would end regular snarl-ups at the Golimar intersection the citizens had endured for years.

“Once this underpass is opened the areas in the surroundings would be rid of traffic jams,” said Mr Akhtar while speaking to the media after inspecting the development work of the underpass.

“I want this underpass to be named after some renowned personality, someone who has contributed immensely to the betterment of our society.”

The mayor was accompanied by DMC central chairman Rehan Hashmi, municipal commissioner Badar Jameel and others.

The mayor said the Rs450 million underpass was 375 metres long and eight metres wide.

Its construction was delayed for some time for certain reasons, which had been successfully resolved, he added.

He asked the officials concerned to maintain good standard in construction and ensure durability.

Installation of a pedestrian bridge in the area would begin once the underpass was completed, he added.

Business community

Meanwhile speaking at a reception hosted by All Karachi Tajir Ittehad (AKTI) in his honour at its office in Kharadar, the mayor said the business community had a major role to play in development and progress of this city.

Chairman of AKTI Atique Mir and other traders and shopkeepers attended the programme.

“It is a good omen that all traders have gathered on one platform. We will solve problems of this city with our unity,” Mr Akhtar said.

He added that for the cleanliness in Karachi, shopkeepers would be provided special bags to dispose of garbage and other waste.

He said the business community deserved better civic facilities as it paid taxes.

“Despite having no resources and powers, we have started 100-day cleanliness drive in select union committees of Karachi.”

Welcoming the mayor, Atique Mir said Mr Akhtar had the spirit and desire to solve the problems of the city.

He urged the Sindh government to give powers to the municipal governments so that they could resolve the problems of their respective municipal bodies.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2017