Bilawal inaugurates Kakri Sports Complex

Says facility will help youth train for international events

KARACHI:

In a significant development, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Kakri Sports Complex, also known as Kakri Ground, in Karachi's Lyari area.

Congratulating the people of Lyari, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto expressed his delight at the development of this beautiful sports complex, which will provide training opportunities for the youth to compete in international sports events.

The project holds immense cultural and social importance for the local communities in Lyari, demonstrating the provincial government's commitment to improving the quality of life in neighbourhoods and promoting sporting excellence, particularly among the younger generation.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted the historical significance of the Kakri Ground and its surrounding area, which has long been a hub of social and sporting activities for diverse groups.

He acknowledged that while the area has played a crucial role in supporting the well-being of residents with various amenities, businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, the Kakri Ground facility needed an upgrade to meet the evolving demands of the youth and cater to a broader range of sports.

Recognising the importance of the Kakri Sports Complex and the need for neighbourhood improvement, the Sindh government undertook a rehabilitation project directed by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto. The project involved developing a comprehensive land use plan and upgrading the existing facilities to meet international standards. The Karachi Neighborhood Improvement Project (KNIP) was pivotal in conceptualising and executing the project through extensive stakeholder consultations.

Commencing in January 2022 and completed in June 2023 for Rs1.365 billion, the project scope included a multipurpose building covering 18,000 square feet and providing 45 parking spaces in the basement. The upgraded Kakri Sports Complex offers several remarkable features to enhance the sporting experience and overall well-being of the community. These features include an upgraded and rehabilitated soccer ground with state-of-the-art artificial turf, retrofitting of existing stadiums, a new multipurpose building with various facilities, a Tartan jogging track, retrofitting of the karate gym and boxing arena, rehabilitation of two parks, a practice football ground, security measures, floodlights, and a complete water supply system.

With these facilities now open to the public, the management and caretakers must ensure their proper use and maintenance to achieve sustainability. Shah emphasised the need for the public to respect and maintain these upgraded assets so that the government of Sindh can focus on upgrading other areas with their investments.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2023.