KARACHI:
Former Chief Minister of Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch envisioned and initiated a transport system of buses in Kech to help reduce the traffic in the city and facilitate easy transportation. However, even after its completion, the area remains congested with cars and vehicles. The few buses that are functional are unable to meet the needs of the population.
Moreover, most private hospitals in Kech are located on the same street, which causes further disruption and increases the traffic. Considering that the road is already congested with vehicles, patients face several difficulties while travelling. In majority of cases, patients are unable to make it to the hospital on time for their appointments. To make matters even worse, containers and large vehicles from Gwadar and Pasni also occupy the roads. Oftentimes, transporters drive extremely fast and recklessly, and even misbehave with passengers. They do not offer any concessions to students and other vulnerable citizens.
The citizens of Kech have long been complaining about the chaotic situation but their complaints have fallen on deaf ears. I request the relevant authorities to take steps to reduce the intense traffic in the locality. Those who do not abide by the traffic rules should but be penalised heavily. Furthermore, the government needs to focus on infrastructural development and create a coherent transport system.
Nawaz Ellahi
Kech
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2021.
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