By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Karachi mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a major infrastructure rehabilitation project stretching from Hub River Road to Tori Bangash Road in Ittehad Town, as part of development schemes valued at more than Rs850 million.
The project aims to promote urban development, improve transport facilities, resolve long-standing drainage problems and integrate informal settlements into a framework of sustainable development.
The ceremony was attended by Member of the Provincial Assembly Liaquat Askani, parliamentary leader in the KMC City Council Karamullah Waqasi, deputy parliamentary leader Dil Muhammad, Union Council chairman Arif Tanoli, other elected representatives, officers of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), and a large number of local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Wahab said the rehabilitation of Hub River Road to Tori Bangash Road was of critical importance as it connects two districts and serves as a key artery for Orangi, Keamari and adjoining areas. He said the project would be completed at a cost of Rs800 million and that Hub River Road would be converted into a dual carriageway to permanently address chronic traffic congestion.
He said the construction of a 12,500-foot-long dual carriageway marked a significant step towards improving traffic flow. The project also includes the installation of 8,000 feet of a modern drainage system, while more than 21,000 feet of reinforced concrete cement (RCC) pipelines will be laid to strengthen storm-water drainage, measures intended to eliminate rainwater accumulation and flooding.
The mayor added that streetlights would be installed along Hub River Road, while paver blocks were being laid in the internal streets of Tori Bangash. He said the provision of paver blocks in informal settlements was a symbol of sustainable development, noting that the KMC was extending modern civic facilities to katchi abadis to improve residents’ quality of life.
Wahab said the rehabilitation of streets in Tori Bangash would provide improved facilities for the public and raise overall living standards. He stressed that modern and sustainable infrastructure was essential for urban development and said the KMC would continue to undertake public welfare projects without discrimination.
He further said that drainage systems and other underground utilities would be upgraded before road construction to prevent future inconvenience to residents. Directing the contractor to adhere strictly to timelines, he announced that the project should be completed within six months. Describing the scheme as a long-standing demand of the area, he said the initiative reflected the fulfilment of commitments made to the public by the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
The mayor said there was no shortage of resources, all funds had been allocated in the budget, and taxpayers’ money was being spent solely on public facilities. He said he was following the mission and vision of PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and remained committed to serving every town, district and union council of Karachi without discrimination.
