Whatever road there are at the present in Balochistan are the blessings of a dictatorial regime.
QUETTA: Riding a bike in Quetta would just feel like trudging along on the back of a camel, rickshaw or a cart even if one were using a latest brand.
Across the city, if one searches for a well-paved road, one would pretty much fail. Somehow, it is possible to find a paved road only when one takes the Quetta-Zhob route.
The previous government did little development work and so the hopes of the citizens of Balochistan are sticking with the present government who should now be launching mega projects according to the fresh provincial road map on focusing on improving the city’s sanitation channels. Though efforts were made to restructure the old sanitation lines and the contractors started well, all has been in vain. Recently, at a meeting, the city commissioner revealed that most of the contractors were paid their initial bills, but the results are at a standstill due to their lax approach and a lack of accountability.
However, following the new budget, the citizenry hopes that the new government would ensure its basic needs are met. Sadly, the previous government had done nothing under the banner of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Whatever road there are at the present are the blessings of a dictatorial regime. All the major avenues namely Zargoon Road, Seryab Road, New Adda, Satellite Town, Qauery Road (presently under sanitation construction), Gawalmandi Chock, Capri Cenima Road are in the worst of conditions.
It is no secret that the Quetta Development Authority is lagging behind when it comes to supervising roads that go under construction. They lend no ear to the parameters of material and quality control checks. One hopes that the current government focuses on much-needed development projects which will go a long way in restoring peace and harmony in Quetta.
Muhammad Riaz
Published in The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2014.
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