‘Delay in relocating gas lines along Malir Expressway can’t be linked to SSGC’

This is with reference to a news report published in The News on Monday about the concern expressed by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah about the pace of work on Malir Expressway and Karimabad Underpass projects.

In a statement, the SSGC has clarified that the gas utility cannot be attributed in any way for the ‘delay’ in the implementation of the project. As per the agreement, the Malir Expressway administration is supposed to make payment against the relocation of three high pressure transmission pipelines.

The SSGC, however, has still not received any payment from the Malir Expressway on account of the relocation of the three high pressure transmission pipelines. The SSGC, as per agreement, has submitted the cost estimate of Rs757.03 million to the Malir Expressway on March 20, 2024, after completing all engineering design and ground work for the relocation of pipelines.

Moreover, the SSGC has demarcated the land for the relocation project for Malir Expressway to initiate the land purchase for the relocation of transmission pipelines. In view of the above, the impression given in the sections of the press that relocation has not been done in spite of the fact that payment has been made is not correct. It needs to be reiterated that the relocation cost should be paid to the SSGC so that relocation can be done as per the stipulated targeted timelines.