ince Bahria Town refused to continue the construction work, however, no other developer has been willing to take over the project. PHOTO: PPI
The upscale Clifton neighbourhood of the metropolis has been virtually left in ruins ever since construction work on a flyover and two underpasses was stayed by the Sindh High Court (SHC).
Dug-up roads, mounds of earth and choked thoroughfares and alleyways have made life miserable for residents of Clifton and devotees, who flock to revered Sufi saint Abdullah Shah Ghazi’s shrine located in the locality.
According to a Daily Express survey, residents of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Clifton and Neelum Colony and those operating businesses in these areas have been badly affected since the construction work was stayed.
Work on the projects was halfway done and set to be completed by July 31 this year. Since Bahria Town refused to continue the construction work, however, no other developer has been willing to take over the project.
Residents of Clifton, Neelum Colony and DHA have expressed their reservations and those running businesses in the area say their profits have taken a massive hit. Those visiting the Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine, meanwhile, are forced to take a two-kilometre detour on foot.
“Although there were some problems, work on the projects was 50% done… people were content knowing it would be completed in three to four months,” a businessman from the area said. “Litigation between the DHA and Bahria Town has not only brought work on the projects to a standstill but put the future of the entire are in limbo,” he added.
Another business-owner said developers of Bahria Town ensured dust at the construction site remained settled by sprinkling water on it. “But now, the entire area looks like a desert and winds blow dust and sand all around the neighbourhood. The whole area has been affected by the abandonment of construction.”
“Bahria Town has said it will not resume work, putting a question mark on the future of the project,” said a resident of Clifton living near the underpass site. “The city government has yet to come out with a clear policy on the project after the Sindh High Court orders,” he added.
Meanwhile, Administrator Karachi Rauf Akhtar Farooqui told Daily Express that the concerned consultant has been directed to conduct an environmental impact study of the project, which will be submitted before the SHC on Tuesday (tomorrow).
He said that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation was aware of the problems the people were facing and was trying to get permission from the court to resume work and complete the projects before the monsoon season.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 5th, 2014.
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Courts drag their feet for ages in infinity when it comes to punish the powerful but when it comers to welfare of people they act like lightening to block way of projects beneficial to common people. DHA and CBC have cleared vast tracts of mangrove forests and destroyed natural Karachi sea shore by "reclaiming" land from sea but the court or an ancient english newspaper never cried environment but howl at flyovers and underpass which could save from pollution resulting from traffic congestion