Sindh fully implementing development agenda despite financial constraints: Wahab

Sindh Information and Law Adviser Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that despite the financial constraints and cuts in the federal transfers, the provincial government is implementing its development agenda for the welfare of the people of the province and its performance in terms of development projects and legislation much better that that of other provinces and the federal government.

Talking to media persons in the media corner of the Sindh Assembly on Monday, he said PM Imran Khan merely repeated Sindh Governor Imran Ismail’s promises with the Tharis at a recent Chachro gathering and practically did nothing to provide relief to the drought-stricken people of Thar.

The adviser said that the Sindh government had started a new phase of development projects in Karachi in March under which two new underpasses were being built on Shaheed -e-Millat Road so as to ease congestion of traffic heading from Jail Chorwangi, Bahadurabad, Tariq Road and Baloch Colony Bridge.

He added that the roundabout between Tariq Road and Bahadurabad was being turned into an underpass and another underpass was being constructed on 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 development works in the old city area was being carried out on a fast track basis under the Karachi Neighbourhood Improvement Project and hopefully it would be completed during the current financial year.

Wahab added that the two-floor underground basement parking plaza was being constructed near Burnes Garden, and its Upper storey would be for shopping area and food court. He said that the area was very unique surrounded by historical buildings and a strong cultural structure as the Sindh government wanted to create an atmosphere for Karachiites so that they could spend time with their families.

The adviser said the Sindh government was focusing on this important project and CM Syed Murad Ali Shah last week visited the area, inspected the pace of development work and directed the project managers to finish it before the completion date.

Besides, Barrister Wahab said that 12000 Road which connects Korangi to Landhi and industrial area was also being improved. It is 12 kilometres long and improvements in 70 per cent of the portion of the road would be made, while 30 per cent new track would be added to it.

He said that two flyovers would also be constructed on 12000 Road so that the people of Korangi, Landhi and industrial area could also be provided a fast and easy communication network.

He said that despite the financial constraints and shortfall of Rs116 billion, the chief minister had strictly instructed the local government department to complete the development projects by the end of the current financial year on June 30, 2019.

He said that the CM personally took interest and directed local government officials and the DIG traffic police to ensure that no encroachments were made on the traffic diversion and routes made for these development projects and to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

To a question regarding an underpass at Shaheen Complex, the adviser said that due to technical difficulties, the Shaheen Complex project couldn’t be undertaken as it was located in a congested zone.

Responding to another question, he said that they had no objection to an address by the governor to the Sindh Assembly as it was his constitutional right to address the house, adding that they would officially communicate the date in this regard.