KARACHI, May 18: Federal Communication Minister Shamim Siddiqi has said that the people affected by Lyari Expressway project will have an opportunity of living a better life and environment through the resettlement programme. “The government chalked out this plan for improving the quality of life of such people so that they could get rid from unhygienic conditions and had better living facilities in a clean environment,” he added.

The minister made these observations during his visits to second resettlement site of Taisar Town adjoining Gulshan-i-Maymar and Surjani Town and third site of Baldia Town adjoining Naval Colony at Hub River Road.

Shamim Siddiqi called for more effective efforts to provide all facilities of life in the new settlements. He directed the officials of water and power departments to further accelerate the pace of ongoing development at resettlement sites and complete them at the earliest.

He was informed during the briefing that work on laying of water pipeline at Baldia Town site would start in a few days at a cost of Rs120 million. The cost of the project would be collectively borne by the SUPARCO and LEW resettlement project. Through this pipeline, the employees of SUPARCO and residents of resettlement site would be able to get water for drinking. He stressed that all the three sites should be supplied water through the pipeline so that the affected people could get potable water.

The minister went round various sectors of the sites and reviewed the road construction and other development works. He appreciated that offices of power, water, gas, Zakat, parks, and social welfare departments had been set up at the mini-centre for civic facilities.

Mr Siddiqi had a review of the ongoing development from the hillock at the site. He was informed that these hillocks were being developed into small parks so that poor residents of the area could get recreational facilities.

The minister walked through lanes at the sites and reviewed the development works. He ordered that emergence of any encroachment from the very start should be checked and awareness about discipline and cleanliness should be developed.

He also inspected the schools in Taisar Town and talked to students. Besides, he visited eight under-construction schools and reviewed the quality of work. He noted with satisfaction that at present six schools were being run in Taisar Town while eight more would start functioning from the new academic session.

He was appreciative of the importance being given to plantation at the sites.

NHA’s General Manager Mubin Siddiqi, Resettlement Project Director Shafiqur Rehman Paracha and LEW and Northern Bypass Project Director Mohammed Yusuf Barakzai also accompanied the minister during his visit.—APP