Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi on Thursday directed the concerned departments to accelerate development, road rehabilitation and beautification projects in the Red Zone and ensure their completion within the stipulated timelines.
He issued the directives while chairing a meeting held to review the progress of development schemes being executed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Town Municipal Administrations (TMAs), Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC).
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso, Deputy Commissioner East Nasrullah Abbasi, KMC Municipal Commissioner Abrar Jaffer, Director Development Naseem Bhutto, TMA officials and other concerned officers attended the meeting and briefed the commissioner on the progress of ongoing schemes.
The meeting was informed that the ongoing road carpeting, rehabilitation, horticulture and beautification projects had achieved 75 per cent physical progress and 64 per cent financial progress.
Officials said the carpeting of three remaining major roads was targeted for completion by the end of September. It was further informed that carpeting work on Shahrah-e-Kamal Ataturk, Court Road and Strachan Road was progressing rapidly. Officials assured the commissioner that work on all three roads would be completed within the next 10 days.
The commissioner was also informed that beautification and development work at Kabootar Chowrangi would be completed this month. The Sindh government had approved the proposed design for the roundabout, featuring greenery and a central monument.
Naqvi directed the authorities to improve cleanliness around the National Museum, remove accumulated debris and improve the condition of Burns Garden. He was informed that debris removal inside the museum premises had already commenced and work was also underway on the portion of Burns Garden adjoining Strachan Road.
The commissioner ordered officials to prepare a detailed chart showing physical and financial progress, expenditures and photographs of completed work so that recommendations regarding financial difficulties could be submitted to the Sindh chief secretary.
Taking notice of roadside workshops and encroachments between Kabootar Chowrangi and Burns Road, Naqvi directed the district administration and TMAs to take priority action for their removal.
He said the workshops were obstructing traffic and pedestrian movement and adversely affecting cleanliness and beautification. After their removal, the area would be considered for parking, footpaths, lighting and a walkway. KMC and TMAs were directed to prepare a comprehensive plan in consultation with the district administration.
