CM sets deadline for razing encroachment

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has voiced concern over the deteriorating state of Karachi's infrastructure, identifying ongoing development projects, damaged roads, drainage issues, illegal parking and rampant encroachment as major contributors to the severe traffic congestion in the metropolis.

While presiding over a high-level meeting on Tuesday, CM Shah set a deadline for razing encroachments from 10 to 15 key arteries of the megalopolis for which he constituted a task force under Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani. Incidentally, Saeed Ghani's own constituency is plagued with encroachment and illegal construction.

CM Murad pointed out the role of drug addicts in damaging public infrastructure, pointing out that they steal steel rods, streetlight pipes, and other materials, causing further degradation of public spaces.

"I want the administration to relocate all drug users currently living under bridges and in slums. Their theft of steel rods from bridges and streetlights not only defaces the city but also undermines our development efforts," he was quoted as saying in an official handout.

Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) Director General Rasheed Solangi informed the chief minister that they have started issuing "QR codes" for all approvals in pursuance of the CM's instructions. The meeting was informed that out of 425 buildings currently under construction, 201 have been issued permits with "QR codes", which will enable better regulation and monitoring.

To a question, CM Shah was informed that the SBCA in District South had identified 25 commercial buildings with approved reserved car parking spaces, but the owners had illegally converted these areas into warehouses. Six of these parking areas have been restored, three buildings have been sealed, and notices have been issued to the rest.

The meeting was informed that the ongoing development work on the Red Line BRT was one of the reasons for traffic snarls in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. Transport Secretary Asad Zamin told the CM that the work on the BRT Red Line, particularly from Hassan Square to Tank Chowk has been expedited. The CM directed him to ensure the completion of the work by December or January 2025. He also directed the administration to remove encroachments along the service road opened for traffic from Hassan Square onwards.

The chief minister formed a committee under the local government minister, along with the city mayor, the commissioner, and other relevant officers with the task of identifying 10 to 15 key roads in the city by tomorrow and then initiating an operation to remove encroachments from walkways, green belts, streets, and footpaths. He vowed a zero-tolerance policy towards encroachments on major roads.

Road cutting was also one of the talking points in the meeting, particularly in Lyari, where funds generated are not reinvested in road repairs and rehab, leading to subpar patchwork and rapid deterioration. The overlapping jurisdiction of various authorities exacerbates these problems. The CM issued directives to establish road-cutting conditions, including a two-year moratorium on road-cutting after initial establishment. A dual costs system shall also be introduced to separate costs for road cutting and rehabilitation, minimising unnecessary digging.

Regarding illegal parking, CM Shah stressed the need to maintain smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion on busy roads. The meeting noted that designated parking spaces in plazas are often underutilised, leading to parking in service lanes and worsening congestion. He directed that plazas with designated parking areas must ensure these spaces are 100 per cent functional.