Govt mulls authority to manage road cutting

The Sindh government is taking steps to centralise the authority for road cutting amid increasing disputes and financial losses. Currently, municipal offices hold the power for road cutting, but due to serious conflicts and substantial revenue losses, the government is considering establishing an independent authority dedicated to managing road cutting activities.

Sources reveal that the decision, discussed in a recent meeting chaired by the Sindh chief minister, aims to address the deteriorating conditions of newly constructed roads damaged by unauthorised cutting for various purposes. The move is also necessitated by ongoing disputes among various local bodies over road cutting practices.

"The creation of a separate road cutting authority is being seriously mulled to streamline and regulate these activities," sources told The Express Tribune.

The chief minister has directed officials to formulate a comprehensive strategy to prevent unauthorised road cutting and to safeguard government revenues.

This strategy may involve transferring the responsibility for road cutting from local bodies to either a newly established authority or the city administration.

According to sources, the issue of road cutting has been a contentious one, leading to financial losses to the government treasury and disputes between municipal authorities and other local bodies over the past several months.

A decision regarding the establishment of the new authority is expected shortly.