Daily Times

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday directed secretary local government to appear before it to file comments along with detailed progress report on pace of renovation work for three roads in different areas including the University Road.

While hearing a petition alleging that the development work is being carried out in woefully slow manner, the SHC bench, headed by Justice NadeemAkhtar, once again issued notices to advocate general Sindh, DIG traffic, chief secretary, commissioner Karachi and deputy commissioner east directing them to file their respective comments by March 9.

While summoning the secretary local government, the court directed him to furnish detailed progress report on the pace of construction and contracts awarded in this regard.

All the respondents and provincial law officer were directed to submit their replies on February 22, but they failed to do so depite the fact that they served the court’s notices duly.

The court was hearing the petition filed by a citizen, Rizwan, who is the resident of Gulshan-e-Ibqal submitting that the provincial government has started renovation work of roads under Annual Development Project, 2016’s ‘Karachi Package’.

“The progress of the Rs 884.23 million university road renovation from Hasan Square to NIPA is very slow and only 10 percent of the work is completed, whereas the road from NED University to SafooraChowrangi which costsRs 832 million had attained only 12 percent progress. Similarly, the construction of road from Shaheed-e-millat road to Shahrah-e-Quaiden that cost Rs 569.81 million has been completed only 15 percent, the petitioner maintained.

Rizwan submitted in his petition that there are six educational institutions on university roads and many hospitals can also be reached via this road, but due to slow progress, the students, patients and their attendants are going through severe hardships.

While questioning the quality of the material being used in the project, the petitioner submitted that it has been noticed earlier that the newly developed roads develop craters just after one cycle of rain. He requested the court to direct the respondents to incorporate Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) to oversee the project to ensure the work be carried out with the best material. The tax payers’ money is being used in the project and it should be done in transparent manner, Rizwan said.

He prayed to the court to direct the government to expedite the work on project and carry out the same around the clock and seven days a week. The court was further requested to direct the traffic police to control traffic jam and congestion and to provide alternate plan and diversion during the pendency of the renovation work.