KARACHI: The Sindh government has demanded the immediate removal of electricity poles and other utility installations obstructing road construction and expansion projects across the province, accusing federal-controlled utility agencies of delaying public development schemes despite receiving compensation for relocating their infrastructure.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the failure of utility organisations, including HESCO and SEPCO, to shift electricity poles despite advance payments was seriously hampering development work.
He cited the example of Sukkur, where payment for relocating electricity poles was made five years ago, but the installations remained on the roads.
In a statement, the Minister said HESCO, SEPCO, K-Electric, Sui Southern Gas Company and other relevant utility organisations must fulfil their responsibilities and immediately relocate infrastructure obstructing ongoing road projects.
He said the Sindh government was investing substantial resources in public infrastructure, but delays by federal-controlled utility agencies were holding up project execution and completion.
Sharjeel Memon said electricity poles standing in the middle of roads not only obstructed traffic but also increased the risk of accidents. Gas pipelines and other utility installations were similarly creating hurdles in road construction and expansion.
He also pointed to delays in the Red Line project, saying the shifting of utility poles and installations to alternative locations had been one of the major reasons behind its slow progress.
The minister stressed that relocating electricity, gas and other utility infrastructure falling within development project alignments was the responsibility of the respective utility agencies, particularly where compensation had already been paid.
He said the provincial government was taking all possible measures to complete development projects in the public interest and urged federal utility organisations to demonstrate similar commitment by removing the remaining obstacles without further delay.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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