KARACHI, March 10: The Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and Development, Ghulam Sarwar Khehro, on Monday visited the Hawkesbay scheme-2, where the first phase of resettlement of the affectees of the Lyari Expressway project is under progress in sectors 9 and 10.

He walked through the newly constructed streets where more than 1,000 low cost houses of 80 square-yard each are under construction.

Mr Khehro appreciated the efforts put in the planning of schools, parks, playgrounds, mosques and commercial areas for which sites have been reserved in each sector.

He inspected the ongoing work on laying of sewerage, water lines and construction of roads and expressed satisfaction over the pace of progress.

He was briefed about details of the project which include three sites for resettlement - at the Hawkesbay, Taisar and Baldia.

The development work and shifting of 14,811 units is progressing satisfactorily and constant efforts are being made to involve people in the process. Various committees at the community level have been formed to involve their participation in coping with their day-to-day affairs, it was stated.

Project Director Shafiqur Rehman Paracha thanked the Pakistan Rangers for providing water through specially built community water tanks.

The ACS said the project had already been successfully launched and the allottees were building homes at the designated plots. He also appreciated the participatory approach of the community.

Keeping in view the population growth at the site, the ACS stressed the need for constructing a large stadium for football, cricket and other games.

He said that upgradation of the Hawkesbay Road and an alternative approach road was also required for the area.

He asked for a complete plan for extension of the road from Grax Village to the beach and said that development of the Hawkesbay Road was important for economic growth and tourism promotion.—APP