KARACHI, July 9: Adviser on Local Government Waseem Akhtar on Saturday announced release of Rs 100 million for immediate restart of work on Manghopir Road which is in abeyance for the last two-and-a-half years. He directed the city government to start work on the road within one week and carry it out round-the-clock for its early completion. The Adviser issued directives in this regard during the last phase of his visit to under-construction projects.

In a briefing on the occasion, Waseem Akhtar was informed that City Government does not have funds for this road project and, therefore, development work is lying in abeyance.

He immediately spoke to Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Shoaib Bukhari and informed him about the problems being faced by people due to non-construction of the road and sought immediate release of 100 million rupees for start of work.

Shoaib Bukhari asked the Adviser to send officials of the City Government to his office on Monday and he would arrange the release of funds.

The Adviser on Local Government was surprised that work on a project whose foundation-stone was laid two-and-a-half years back, could not start due to wrong planning and incompetence of the former City Nazim.

He lamented that roads were dug open without any planning and priority and work thereon was not completed on time which resulted in an addded inconvenience to citizens instead of providing them relief. He said this situation needs to be compensated with immediate start of work.

The concerned project director in his briefing to the Adviser said the project did not include shifting of underground KESC cables, improvement of sewerage system, disposal of rainwater, repair of water supply line and planning for this purpose will require additional 40 million rupees. He said this caused delay in the project execution.

He said the expenditure on phase-I of the project from Pirabad to Sarhad Petrol Pump was estimated at Rs 30 million but it increased to Rs 70 million due to additional works.

He said tenders for second phase have been invited which will cost Rs 140 million.

The caretaker CDGK Fazlur Rehman and EDO Works and Services Sarfraz Shah were also present.—APP