Sindh CM approves Rs1.5 billion for Karachi road repairs after rainy season

Murad also orders probe into collapse of roads built after 2022, citing concerns over substandard construction

KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has approved Rs1.5 billion for the restoration of roads, bridges, and underpasses in Karachi damaged by recent rains. He also directed the local government to investigate the collapse of roads built after 2022, citing concerns over substandard construction.

"We will not tolerate poor-quality work. Those responsible will be held accountable," said Shah during a meeting at the Chief Minister’s House on Wednesday. He emphasised the need for stricter oversight in public infrastructure projects.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Planning Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, and other senior bureaucrats.

Mayor Wahab informed the chief minister that over 17.8 million square feet of roads across various districts in Karachi were damaged during the recent rains, with the worst-affected areas including District South, East, West, and Korangi.

Wahab said 120 roads, bridges, and underpasses required immediate resurfacing.

Shah also gave approval for six major projects under the CLICK programme, including the construction of flyovers and roads in various parts of the city.

In a separate meeting, Shah was briefed on the damage caused by floods in Hyderabad and Sukkur divisions. Over 3,500 kilometres of roads in Hyderabad and 319 kilometres in Sukkur were damaged, prompting Shah to order a detailed assessment for repair work to commence.

The Sindh government is now preparing to begin the restoration of key public infrastructure across the province.