Government committed to turn Karachi into a first world city

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League (N) government is committed to turn Karachi into a first world city, said Governor of Sindh, Muhammad Zubair here on Wednesday, during an inspection of the federal government funded infrastructure development projects in the metropolis.

Chief Executive Officer, Karachi Infrastructure Company Ltd, Mohammad Swaleh Ahmad Farooqui particularly gave him a detailed briefing about the underway on Green Line.

Talking to media personnel present on the occasion, the governor said that the Rs.25 billion Karachi Package, aimed at turning Karachi into a modern and developed city will soon be unfolding its benefits for the people.

Sindh Governor mentioned that another Rs.50 billion worth federal government sponsored development schemes in the metropolis, including Lyari Expressway, K-IV projects etc. are already in the phase of near completion.

Earlier the governor marked beginning of his inspection from M. A. Jinnah Road and reached Surjani Town (4K roundabout) via Nishtar Road as well as Manghopir Road.

During the exercise he collected first information about the ambitious Rapid Transit Project from the people residing in the surrounding localities.

Accompanied by concerned government officials, Sindh Governor inspected the ongoing work at Green Bus strip between Nagin Chowrangi and Hyderi, and directed authorities to ensure that special attention be paid towards parallel roads for the commuters.

Acknowledging that concerned residents must be faced with serious difficulties due to ongoing work, he said alternative arrangements must be ensured with equal attention to expedite the pace of work on the project itself.

"Completion of Green Line project will pave way for an efficient public transport system for the metropolis on permanent basis," he told the media personnel.

Sindh Governor said Karachi one of the fastest growing city in the world is also exposed to population explosion and thus is in ever increasing pressure in terms of public needs ranging from transportation to other essential facilities.

"Completion of Green Line project in next few month's time will largely release the pressure from a significant part of the metropolis besides providing commuters a comfortable and speedy transport facility," he said mentioning that the federal government funded scheme would soon be followed by Orange and Blue Line projects for Karachi.

With regard to power supply system in Karachi, he said Shanghai Power Company will soon take the management of K-Electric and as per its commitment will invest US $ nine billion to upgrade the company's infrastructure facility.

Emphasizing that the government accords top priority to the basic civic needs of the masses, he said the series of projects initiated by the federal government are also being adequately monitored so as to ensure their timely and quality completion.

In reply to a question, he said regular monitoring and frequent inspections by federal government representatives is to ensure that the envisaged projects are completed within stipulated time period.

"Delays not only add to the difficulties of the people but may also lead to loss of the project's utility for the end users," he commented.

Responding to a questioner, he said more than Rs.25 million have been allocated for the restoration and renovation of Manghopir Road while the 6.7 kilometer stretch of Nishter Road is being reconstructed on modern lines against a cost of Rs.860 million.