KARACHI, July 21: The four-storey building of Korangi Civic Centre, which has been converted into Sindh’s first public sector IT university, will be ready by first quarter of the next year for launching of the university.

Federal minister for science and technology Dr Ataur Rehman had promised with Sindh Governor Mohammedmian Soomro to finance an IT university, but the building was to be arranged by the province.

Since Karachi is the most viable place for an IT university in Sindh, the matter was referred to the city government and the city Nazim was offered six different locations for the purpose.

The EDO (works and services) emphasized conversion of the Korangi Civic Centre-III (KCC-III) into an educational centre.

The four-storey building of KCC-III situated in sector 36-I, Korangi, was built by the defunct KDA under its public housing scheme, having more than 150 shops and 24 offices, but the project could not get investors‘ attention after completion of 70 per cent work due to situation of the area.

Former KDA director-general and the incumbent EDO (W&S), during a presentation to the city Nazim, stressed that though the building at which KDA had spent about Rs59 million (including cost of land) could easily fetch more than Rs30 million if sold on “as it is” basis, but establishment of an IT university there would be beneficial both for the city and for the area.

City Nazim Naimatullah Khan accepted the proposal and it was sent to the governor who also approved it and provided Rs20 million for redesigning and completion of the building, having a covered area of one hundred and thirty-six thousand square feet.

According to the approved PC-I, the VC office, administration block, registrar office, staff and dean offices will be situated at the upper ground floor, while internet cafe, software houses, future expansion space and dispensary have been planned for the lower ground floor.

First floor of the building will have classrooms, library, computer lab, a large auditorium having capacity of more than 500 persons and staff rooms, whereas the second floor will house all classrooms and common rooms.

Project director Shakoor Pathan has expressed confidence that the E&S department will complete the building within six months from the date the amount is transferred to them. —PPI