KARACHI, Sept 8: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad on Tuesday reviewed the progress of work on the Lyari Expressway project and directed the concerned authorities to adopt a just and coordinated line of action for the removal of legal and illegal structures along the project sites.

In this regard, he directed them to seek cooperation of the CDGK and elected representatives. He also urged the people living in the concerned areas to extend their co-operation for a better environment and civilized living.

The officials informed the governor about certain impediments and the problems emerging while executing the project in Hasan Aulia, Mianwali and Gharib Nawaz colonies.

Dr Ibad made it clear that no injustice had been done to anyone in the past in matters pertaining to the construction of the expressway and the same would be ensured in future also. All decisions, he said, were taken in the greater interest of the city and its people.

He pointed out that even the residents of kutchi abadis had been compensated for their structures removed for the project and this would be maintained in future also. He maintained that if the project was completed early, people were start getting its benefits - relief, facilities, etc., early. The project, he added, would also give a boost to economic activities.

In order to resolve pending issues once and for all, the governor called for a meeting of concerned officials and elected representatives at the Governor's House. Project Director Mr Shafiqur Rehman Paracha informed the governor that the required area, from Rashid Minhas Road to Yasinabad, had been handed over to the executing agency by the CDGK, besides 95 per cent of the another such area, from Sindhi Hotel (Liaquatabad) to Sir Shah Suleman Road.

He said that the affected people were being moved as per their convenience and there happened to be no acrimony or use of force during the process. EDO (Revenue) Mohammed Waseem informed that 'right of way' was being obtained under the Land Acquisition Act and a just and transparent system was being pursued.

On the occasion, the governor issued directive to the National Highways Authority for the construction and repair of Mirza Adam Khan Road and adjoining street as well as installation of street lights there.

EDO (Works) Shoaib Siddiqui said that a portion of the road adjoining the Northern Bypass had been already been constructed whereas the work on the second portion was under way and would be completed in a few days.

Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui, City Nazim Naimatullah Khan, IGP Syed Kamal Shah, DG Rangers Maj Gen Javed Zia, DCO Mir Hussain Ali, Lyari Town Nazim Abdul Khaliq Jumma, SITE Town Nazim Amir Nawab and several other officials were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the governor went round various areas of Lyari and remained there for about three hours. He met people and inquired about their problems. He issued necessary directives to the town nazim and other concerned officials with regard to the construction and repair of roads, supply of water and lifting of garbage.

He said that work should also be carried out on long- and mid-term road projects, besides providing immediate relief to people by undertaking patch work on dilapidated roads.

The governor regretted that despite tall claims, the area continued to be ignored over the last 56 years. The present government, he told people, had been focusing on the development of Lyari and a better environment on a priority basis.

He declared that like other areas of the city, Lyari would also be brought at par with the developed areas in terms of health and sanitation, education, uplift projects, law and order, etc. -APP