KARACHI:
The main Hub bridge which connects several parts of Balochistan with Sindh, specially Karachi, has been destroyed in the recent rains, and the Hub bypass is being used as an alternative. Constructed in 1972, the Hub bridge expiry time was 20 years. While it was to be rebuilt in 1992, it was declared fit by engineers then. The bridge has been in a very bad shape for the last many years but it remained in use until destroyed by the rains. Several warnings had been issued by experts before the current monsoon season for reconstructing the bridge, but unfortunately no action was taken. The toll tax collected by the concerned authorities on a daily basis is good enough to rebuild the bridge, but it looks that the money is misappropriated.
Due to the demolition of the Hub bridge, trade and business activities will take a big hit. The halt of transportation through the bridge is sure to cause shortage of consumer goods in different cities such as Turbat, Panjgur, Pasni and Gwadar — something that is likely to raise the rate of inflation. The bridge is also the main route between Makran and Quetta and between several other districts of Balochistan. It also connects Balochistan and Sindh. Therefore, the Government of Balochistan and National Highway Authority must take an immediate action for reconstructing the bridge.
Gulsameen Hassan
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, August 3rd, 2022.
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