THE National Highway Authority intends to construct the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway at a cost of Rs11bn under six packages. Applications from intending contractors have been invited for pre-qualifications.

Mian Nawaz Sharif had announced this project during 1998-99 and some spadework was done. Pervez Musharraf did not touch it. Instead, he was keen on construction of canals and drains on a top priority basis. However, this government is as interested in this project as the Sharif one.

The begging bowl is still not full to meet the demands of ongoing projects in Sindh. The Right Bank Outfall Drain project has been abandoned in the middle for paucity of funds. Other similar important projects are also suffering for the same reason.

The Karachi-Hyderabad Superhighway has successfully withstood heavy loads for the past 39 years. Some repairs are inevitable and are being carried out by the NHA. There is no need for constructing a motorway for at least the next 10 years.

It is apparent the motorway is being planned to embezzle funds with the help of the NHA and its contractors. Let Rs11bn go towards irrigation which will boost our economy through agricultural yields.

RAEES AHMAD KHAN

Jamshoro