Sindh to spend Rs 2.4-bn on roads network maintenance

Islamabad: Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan, Federal Minister for Communications said Rs 2.40 billion would be spent on roads network maintenance to provide fast transportation facilities to the people in Sindh. The Sukkur-Shikarpur Expressway a vital road connecting many district of the province would be completed on priority basis with the help of Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The minister also directed National Highway Authority (NHA) in the meeting convened to review the progress of roads development projects to start the work on Khushaal Garh Bridge at the earliest, for which Rs 3 billion is being provided by Japan International Co-operation Agency (Jica). During the meeting the minister directed NHA to expedite work on roads maintenance in Sindh to improve the infrastructure facilities.

The minister directed to complete the Qazi Ahmed-Morro section on N-5 as early as possible. He was informed by the NHA high ups that land has been purchased for the project, whereas the work will start in June, 2009. The minister directed the concerned authorities that departmental action would be taken against the project director in case of any delay in its completion.

The minister showed displeasure over slow work progress in case of Lyari Expressway and directed the authorities to complete it up to Manghopir on top priority basis. The minister was informed by the Chairman NHA that tenders have been floated for the construction of modern service area on Islamabad-Murree Expressway. During the meeting the minister directed to construct rest areas on different places on Murree Expressway.

Dr Arbab Alamgir directed the motorway police to make necessary arrangements to start policing on Murree Expressway as early as possible. The minister also directed the NHA to construct the Police Kiosks on Murree Expressway.

He further directed to take all such measures to start policing in the next month. The chairman, NHA informed the minister that the construction work of Trauma Center in the Salt Range of M2 will be started soon, whereas, tender is being issued to construct one trauma center at each service area on the motorways.

He was also informed that fog lights have been installed in the foggy area on M-1. The minister directed the NHA authorities to rid government land of illegal possession near Peshawar interchange. The minister accorded the approval for purchase of 13 ambulances for trauma centers on motorway.