KARACHI:Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh for Information, Law and Anticorruption Barrister Murtaza Wahab said on Monday that despite the financial constraint and cuts in federal transfers, the Sindh government was implementing its development agenda for the welfare of people of the Sindh province and its performance in terms of development projects and legislation was well ahead of other provinces and the federal government.
This he stated while talking to media persons at media corner of Sindh Assembly today. The advisor said that PM Imran Khan merely repeated the Governor Sindh Imran Ismail’s promises with Tharis at Chhachhro gathering and practically done nothing for the relief of drought-stricken people of Thar.
The advisor said that the Sindh government had started new phase of development projects in Karachi in March under which two new underpasses were being built on the Shaheed-e-Millat Road so as to remove traffic congestion for traffic heading from jail Chowrangi, Bahadurabad, Tariq Road and Baloch Colony Bridge.
He added that round about between Tariq road and Bahadurabad being turned into under pass and another under pass being constructed at Hyder Ali road in front of Sadqain Marriage Hall to make these facilities signal free to provide relief to commuters from traffic woes. He said that in old city area, development work was being carried out on fast track under Karachi Neighborhood Improvement Project and hopefully it would be completed during current financial year.
He added that two floor underground basement parking plaza being constructed near burns garden. Its upper storey would be for shopping area and food court. He said that the area is very unique surrounded by historical building and strong cultural structure and Sindh government wanted to created an atmosphere for Karachiites so that they could spend time with their family.
The advisor said: “We are focusing on this important project and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah last week visited the area and inspected the pace of development work and directed project managers to finish it before the completion date.
Besides, Wahab said that 12000 road which connects Korangi to Landhi and industrial area also being improved. “It is 12 kilometers long and improvements in 70 percent of road would be made, while 30 percent completely new track would be added to it. He said that two fly over would also be constructed on 12000 road so that people of Korangi, Landi and industrial area could also be provided fast and easy communication network.
He said that despite financial constraints and shortfall of Rs 116 billion, Chief Minister Sindh had strictly instructed local government department to complete these development projects till the end of current financial year on 30 June 2019. He said that Chief Minister Sindh personally took interest and directed local government officials and DIG Police Traffic to ensure that no encroachment were made on the traffic diversion and routes made for these development projects and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. To a question regarding under pass at Shaheen Complex, the advisor said that due to technical difficulties, Shaheen complex project couldn’t be undertaken as it was located in congested zone.
Responding to another question, he said that they had no objection on the address of governor Sindh at Sindh Assembly as it was his constitutional right to address the house, adding that they would officially communicate the date in this regard. The advisor questioned that if opposition parties would protest in Sindh Assembly session on the day of governor’s address or take a u turn on their stance as usual. He said that PTI was bent upon the agenda of creating disturbance in Sindh Assembly, but the PPP would continue its reform and development agenda.