KARACHI:
The Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI) has praised Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah’s initiative to centralize road excavation approvals under the oversight of the Karachi mayor and city commissioner.
HCSTSI President Muhammad Saleem Memon hailed the move as a forward-thinking strategy aimed at improving urban infrastructure management and extending the lifespan of newly developed roads. “This policy will serve to restrict unnecessary road digging in Karachi, bolster the durability of streets, and enhance overall infrastructure quality,” he stated.
Highlighting past inefficiencies, Memon noted that the absence of coordination among different municipal and utility departments had resulted in unregulated and repeated road digging. This mismanagement not only wasted financial resources but also created substantial inconvenience for residents and businesses.
Under the chief minister’s directive, a structured approval framework will be established to ensure synchronized efforts among utility services, minimizing the misuse of public funds.
Memon further urged the chief minister to expand the policy to Hyderabad and other cities across Sindh. He pointed out that haphazard road excavation is a widespread problem across the province, with multiple agencies digging up streets at different times without unified planning. This lack of coordination leads to financial inefficiencies and disrupts daily life.
By implementing a centralized approval system similar to Karachi, Sindh can significantly reduce unnecessary roadwork, lessen public inconvenience, and improve overall traffic flow.
The HCSTSI and business community remain optimistic that this policy will be extended province-wide, bringing much-needed relief to residents. “We are committed to working alongside the government to implement effective solutions and address these infrastructure challenges,” Memon affirmed.
He emphasized that expanding this initiative throughout Sindh would not only ensure better allocation of public funds but also lead to significant advancements in urban infrastructure. Such improvements would positively impact the province’s economy and create a more sustainable and efficient urban management system.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the new road excavation policy in Karachi?
The Sindh government has centralized road cutting permissions under the authority of the Karachi mayor and city commissioner to regulate infrastructure work and prevent unnecessary digging.
2. Why is unregulated road digging a problem?
Uncoordinated roadwork leads to financial waste, damages newly constructed roads, and creates disruptions in daily commuting and business operations.
3. How will this policy improve urban infrastructure?
By streamlining approvals and ensuring coordination among utility providers, roads will be dug only when necessary, increasing their durability and reducing repair costs.
4. Will this policy be extended beyond Karachi?
HCSTSI has urged the Sindh government to implement the policy in Hyderabad and other cities to address similar issues across the province.
5. What role does the business community play in this initiative?
Business leaders support the initiative and are willing to collaborate with the government to ensure better infrastructure management and minimize disruptions.
