CM launches Rs6bn infrastructure, energy projects in Karachi

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday inaugurated approximately Rs6 billion worth of major infrastructure and energy projects across Karachi during a five-hour visit to various parts of the city. He said that these initiatives are aimed at enhancing the city’s recreational facilities, road infrastructure and energy sustainability.

Accompanied by his cabinet members, CM Shah inaugurated two road projects, two solar power projects, and a football ground in Manzoor Colony, which is the constituency of MNA Asad Alam Niazi, Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani and Provincial Assembly Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed.

Road infrastructure

Shah inaugurated three crucial road projects in the West and Central districts. The reconstruction of Mirza Adam Road, a 1.6km dual carriageway, was completed at a cost of Rs901 million. This road, which connects Sher Shah Chowk to Mirza Adam Khan Road, includes a storm water drainage system to prevent urban flooding.

The Café Piyala Road, a 4.05km dual carriageway linking Sakhi Hassan to Rashid Minhas Road, was constructed at a cost of Rs9.753 million. This route provides easier access to important healthcare facilities such as the Cardio Hospital and the Mamji Hospital.

Shahrah-e-Noor Jahan Road, another significant project, now features a 6.1km main dual track and a 4.35km dual service track, constructed at a cost of Rs3.367735 billion. This road will ease traffic flow through North Nazimabad and North Karachi, providing a vital alternative to Shahrah-e-Sher Shah Suri.

Solarisation

In a move towards sustainable energy, Shah inaugurated solar energy projects at the Dow University of Health Sciences’ (DUHS) Ojha Campus, and the Central Jail Karachi. The DUHS has been equipped with a 2.32MW solar power system, part of a Rs290 million project expected to ensure significant savings over the next 25 years. Twelve key hospital buildings, including the operating theatre ward and digital library, have been connected with solar panels.

Similarly, the central prison now benefits from a 614.8kW solar energy system, with surplus energy being sent to K-Electric’s grid under net metering regulations. The project, costing Rs216 million, is expected to pay for itself within three years and ensure annual savings of Rs64.26 million.

Football ground

One of the key projects inaugurated was the newly rehabilitated Shaheen Football Ground and Park in Manzoor Colony, District East. The project, which cost Rs213 million, was part of the Competitive & Liveable City of Karachi schemes for the financial year 2022-23.

Covering 5.5 acres, the football ground features seating for 400 spectators, a clubhouse with modern amenities, and a fully lit playing area. The adjoining family park, spanning 2.04 acres, includes walkways, a children’s play area, and upgraded facilities for visitors.

A newly constructed road and a rehabilitated boundary wall are also part of the project. During the inauguration at Manzoor Colony, the football ground event turned into a public meeting, which was addressed by Shah.

Public meeting

The CM announced on the occasion that his government has launched a 400MW solar power project, with the solar initiative in the city at an advanced stage. He said his government would not rely on the National Transmission & Despatch Company for the evacuation of solar power from the Solar Park being established at Manjhad, District Jamshoro, and would instead lay a provincial transmission line.

Additionally, 50 government buildings were equipped with solar power in the first phase of the solarisation project, said Shah, adding that in the second phase, the DUHS’ Ojha Campus, and the central jail have been solarised.

“Both projects are expected to recover their investment costs within two years,” he said, adding that the government has also initiated a project to provide home solar systems to 200,000 households, and is working on a 400MW solar power system at the Keenjhar Lake.

He remarked that the Thar coal-fired projects are producing the cheapest power in the country. “A railway line from the Thar coalfield to the main line at Chor is being laid to facilitate the transportation of coal to other power projects in the country, enabling the production of inexpensive electricity.”

26th amendment

Shah credited Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his role in the passage of the 26th amendment to the constitution, and expressed hope that the party chief would become the next prime minister.

The CM also noted that the PPP chairman has proved himself to be a great statesman and politician. Shah highlighted the importance of judicial reforms and the party chief’s efforts for them.

The chief executive also expressed surprise on a judge’s remarks about the law and order situation in Sindh, pointing out that other provinces also face similar or worse situations. He claimed that comparatively, Sindh has a better law and order situation.