KARACHI, June 25: The city government has allocated a sum of Rs6,293 million for over 45 major development programmes and works, including Rs330 million for inter-city, towns and union councils roads schemes.

The budgetary allocations for development envisaged works in 178 union councils, establishment of infrastructure for information technology in the city government at a cost of Rs37.27 million, construction of six flyovers — at FTC, Shahrah- i-Quaideen/Sharea Faisal, Hino Chowk Expressway, Guru Mander, Sohrab Goth and Hassan Square — for which an amount of Rs230 million has already been allocated in the first budget of the city government (2002-2003).

The government also intends to purchase heavy machinery (dumpers,loaders, lifters, trucks and cranes) for its central pool worth Rs40 million, develop and improve inter-towns roads in the city at a cost of Rs200 million, undertake development works proposed by women councillors.

An amount of Rs20 million has been allocated for construction of a model mosque, while Rs20 million have been earmarked for Quran and Hadith-i-Nabvi (SW) Research Academy, and Rs5 million for the city radio channel.

An amount of Rs172.91 million was allocated for reforms in education sector and for the president’s programmes of rehabilitation, establishment of Khawateen University, information technology university, and literacy centres in union councils and upgradation of existing schools to model schools in towns and union councils.

The government also intends to establish an Information Technology Park for which an amount of Rs10 million has been allocated in the budget. Rs20 million have been allocated for restoration and improvement of cottage industrial estate to provide job opportunities for the youth.

An amount of Rs20 million has also been allocated for construction of a parking plaza under the city government, Rs10 million for construction of inter-city bus terminal, Rs12.5 million for three gateways — at the airport, on the Hub River Road and the Super Highway.

Rs9 million were allocated for carrying out development works as proposed by minority councillors and city labour councillors. For renovation and improvement of Goal Market, Nazimabad, and Lea Market, Rs18 million have been earmarked.

A sum of Rs15 million was allocated for improvement and renovation of hospitals, maternity homes, dispensaries and clinics, while another Rs15 million were earmarked for improvement and renovation of the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

The government also allocated Rs10 million as its share in national/international investment projects. Another amount of Rs10 million was allocated to combat emergencies and crises during the new fiscal year.

Some other development programmes and their budgetary allocations are as follows:

Development and improvement of Hino Chowk Road up to Kala Pul, Korangi Road - Rs29.30 million; provision of electricity on major roads - Rs40 million; provision of basic services/facilities in the areas of district council, including CDGK-Rs20 million; improvement of Sharea Faisal - Rs20 million; construction/improvement of the road from Qayumabad inter-section to Hino Chowk - Rs15.70 million; development of the seaside areas - Rs10 million; construction of market and commercial complexes/projects - Rs10 million; development/works, including water and sewerage in Kutchi Abadis, and under-developed areas with community participation - Rs10 million; and Rs8 million for development, improvement of parks in Orangi, Gadap, Bin Qasim, SITE, Baldia, Keamari, Landhi, Korangi, North Karachi and Shah Faisal Towns.