Govt apathy: Lyari Expressway project in limbo for past 11 years
Sindh CM blamed for irregularities in allotment of plots to displaced people
Sindh CM blamed for irregularities in allotment of plots to displaced people. PHOTO: PPI
KARACHI:
Even after passage of 11 years, construction of the Lyari Expressway could not be started, primarily due to negligence of the provincial and federal government, sources said.
The centre and province have pumped in billions of rupees into the project, but the much publicised road seems to be going nowhere.
Over Rs5 billion have gone into construction of the expressway and the rehabilitation of the affected people, whereas Rs3 billion are still required to carry on the project, according to official figures.
The eight-lane traffic artery will connect the Mauripur truck stand near Karachi Port with Super Highway by-passing the city.
Sources alleged that Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has reportedly posted corrupt officials of choice to handle the rehabilitation of the people affected by the expressway construction.
Sources claimed that corruption in distribution of plots to the expressway victims has tipped all scales. While the real beneficiaries are running from pillar to post to get their right, corrupt officials are minting money by doling plots to people of their choice, sources said.
Initially, there were only 16,000 people affected by the Lyari Expressway, the number has now increased to 30,000. The resettlement of the displaced people had become the core issue that had delayed the project.
The southern section of the expressway had been constructed in 2008, but the northern section still awaits clearance. According to an official of the National Highway Authority, only a section of 2.2 kilometres remains to be developed. Work on the said portion will start after NHA gets right of the way, following which the projects will be completed within a year.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th, 2015.
Even after passage of 11 years, construction of the Lyari Expressway could not be started, primarily due to negligence of the provincial and federal government, sources said.
The centre and province have pumped in billions of rupees into the project, but the much publicised road seems to be going nowhere.
Over Rs5 billion have gone into construction of the expressway and the rehabilitation of the affected people, whereas Rs3 billion are still required to carry on the project, according to official figures.
The eight-lane traffic artery will connect the Mauripur truck stand near Karachi Port with Super Highway by-passing the city.
Sources alleged that Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has reportedly posted corrupt officials of choice to handle the rehabilitation of the people affected by the expressway construction.
Sources claimed that corruption in distribution of plots to the expressway victims has tipped all scales. While the real beneficiaries are running from pillar to post to get their right, corrupt officials are minting money by doling plots to people of their choice, sources said.
Initially, there were only 16,000 people affected by the Lyari Expressway, the number has now increased to 30,000. The resettlement of the displaced people had become the core issue that had delayed the project.
The southern section of the expressway had been constructed in 2008, but the northern section still awaits clearance. According to an official of the National Highway Authority, only a section of 2.2 kilometres remains to be developed. Work on the said portion will start after NHA gets right of the way, following which the projects will be completed within a year.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th, 2015.