Deputy mayor doubts new CM Balochistan will complete projects

Younas Baloch says Rs11b allocated for Quetta development during Zehri’s tenure unlikely to be utilised by new set-up

QUETTA: Where Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has vowed to complete all developmental projects in Quetta within the limited time his cabinet has, Quetta Deputy Mayor Younas Baloch thinks otherwise.

“New road expansion projects, underpasses and flyovers announced during the tenure of former chief minister Sanaullah Zehri are unlikely to be completed under the new set-up,” said the deputy mayor in an interview on Saturday.



Younas Baloch said, “An amount of Rs11 billion was announced by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ex-CM Zehri for Quetta extension programme, but by what I am seeing today the projects are unlikely to be completed as a new government has been sworn-in.”

Baloch said, “Quetta is trying to control the worsening traffic problems for the past many years as the population of the city is growing day by day.”

He said that various governments had announced expansion projects but the promises had yet to be met.



“The past government had allocated a lavish sum for Sariyab Road Expansion, Nawa Killi Flyover, Sabzal Road Expansion, BMC underpass and other extension schemes, which in my view can’t be commenced under the new set-up,” he added.

He feared that the city would witness the worst traffic blockages in coming years as the congested structure of the city would not be able to bare further traffic load.

“Unfortunately every new government in the province never maintained merit-based and positive development schemes which have worsened the traffic problems of Quetta,” the deputy mayor said.

The new Balochistan chief minister has chaired numerous cabinet meetings to review the Quetta Development Project and despite shortage of time has pledged to provide relief to the people of Quetta.