KARACHI, Feb 15: Sindh Chief Secretary K.B.Rind on Saturday directed the officials concerned to ensure timely completion of the construction and extension project of Korangi road from Qayyumabad to Kala Pul.

Presiding over a meeting in his office, he directed Additional Chief Secretary (P&D) Ghulam Sarwar Kherro and Karachi DCO Mir Hussain Ali to hold fortnightly meetings to review the progress on the project and take necessary steps so that it is completed without any delay.

The project should be carried out as per the modifications made in PC-I, estimated cost approved by the Provincial Development Working Party and in close liaison with Corps-5, the Frontier Works Organization, the Defence Housing Authority and the P&D department, the CS said.

Brig Asif Ghazali told the meeting that the existing road was in a dilapidated condition and its reconstruction and extension would have to cover intersections, turning points, bus stops, signals, culverts, footpaths and drains.

He said the FWO had estimated the cost of the project at Rs117 million, but negotiations were going on to get the cost reduced.

The EDO for Works and Services of the city government, Brig Qadri told the meeting that different portions of the road from Kala Pul to the Hino Roundabout (Qayyumabad) had been built.

The project was designed by the DHA with a cost of Rs130 million. However, the PDWP has recommended to reduce it up to Rs87 million.

Special Secretary for Finance Malik Israr said the Sindh government had already released Rs30 million as its share in the cost of the project.—PPI