Work on new road projects to be started on both banks of Pinyari Canal for Rs 2200 million, says CM Murad Ali Shah

Work on new road projects to be started on both banks of Pinyari Canal for Rs 2200 million, says CM Murad Ali Shah

• 8-storey illegal buildings along Auto Bhan Road buldosed,
• 3 more areas’ unauthorised buildings yet to be addressed
• Visits rain-affected areas, under-construction projects

HYDERABAD (July 17): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has stated that measures to improve urban management in the city, including removing illegal encroachments by eight-storey buildings along Auto Bhan Road, have been taken and clarified that approvals for those buildings were granted during previous administrations, not under the current leadership.

Accompanied by Provincial Ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon and Jam Khan Shoro, as well as Mayor Kashif Shoro, just after visiting the rain-affected areas of Hyderabad, the chief minister addressed a press conference at the Mayor’s office.

Mr Shah revealed that three more areas in Hyderabad still face similar issues with unauthorised construction, which are yet to be addressed. “We are fully aware of who contributed to the deterioration of this city,” he remarked, hinting at previous governments’ negligence.

The CM expressed confidence that a noticeable difference in Hyderabad’s urban landscape will soon be visible due to the focused efforts of the current administration and the newly elected PPP mayor. He reaffirmed that the trust of the people will be honoured through genuine and lasting development.

The Chief Minister said, “Hyderabad is a low-lying district and relies entirely on pumping stations for drainage, as water cannot be drained by gravity. Electricity outages during rainfall worsen the situation.” The CM mentioned that he had already instructed HESCO to maintain power supply during rain and commended the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, elected representatives, and district administration for their effective response.

Mr. Shah stated that some areas still have standing water, but pumping efforts are ongoing. He also recalled his familiarity with the city, saying, “I’ve known Hyderabad closely since 2005–2006 when I travelled through the city in a boat during monsoon.” Murad Shah emphasised that cleanup efforts were underway, low-lying areas still had water accumulation, and pumping stations and sewerage drains were being cleared. He added that the Hyderabad administration even operates the railway department’s pumping stations.

Road Projects: The chief minister announced that Auto Bhan Road Phases I and II will be completed by the end of July. Phase III will be finished by February next year. A Ring Road is also being developed to connect three flyovers, and the scheme is nearly complete.

Discussing upcoming projects, the CM said work is ongoing on filter plants in Latifabad No. 4 and Qasimabad. New ADP projects are also underway near Hala Naka, and Niaz Stadium has been rehabilitated by the Sindh government.

PSL matches: The CM shared that discussions have been held with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to host PSL matches in Hyderabad next year. Wheelchair Cricket Asian Championship matches will be held in Karachi and Hyderabad. Six international teams are scheduled to play at Niaz Stadium in September 2025, and a new public park, D Park, will be inaugurated in August. “We cannot stop rain, but we can ensure immediate drainage. Even developed countries face similar challenges, as seen recently in New York and New Jersey.”

Hyderabad a Top Priority: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the development of Sindh’s second-largest city. He emphasised that Hyderabad holds a central place in the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) development agenda.

“Hyderabad is the second biggest city in Sindh, and its people have placed their trust in the PPP,” the CM said. He praised the people of Hyderabad for their continued support and trust in the PPP leadership, especially in the recent local body elections, which led to the appointment of a PPP Mayor.

Murad Shah stated that despite limited financial resources, the PPP government considers Hyderabad a top priority. “Resources may be limited, but serving the people of Hyderabad remains our foremost responsibility,” he said.

Visit: The Chief Minister inspected various key areas, including Civil Lines, Thandi Sarak, Auto Bhan Road, pumping stations, and the railway underpass to assess the post-rain situation. He also visited low-lying areas such as Fatah Chowk, Makki Shah Road, and Qazi Qayoom Road in Qasimabad.

During the briefing, the Commissioner informed that a cloudburst on July 14 resulted in 107mm of rain in just one hour. Latifabad received 91mm, and Qasimabad recorded 55mm of rainfall. The CM was told that 90 per cent of the rainwater was drained within 10 hours. The CM instructed the administration to speed up work on under-construction roads and ensure immediate drainage of water from remaining areas.

Mr Shah expressed sorrow over the death of a citizen during the downpour and directed officials to prioritise public safety and rapid rehabilitation.

Abdul Sattar Edhi Flyover and Pinyari Canal Projects: CM Murad Shah also visited the under-construction Abdul Sattar Edhi Flyover, where he directed concerned authorities to accelerate construction activities. He was briefed about the new road projects being constructed on both banks of the Pinyari Canal, which together cost Rs. 2200 million.

The right bank road will be 7.40 km long, stretching from Hyderabad Bypass to Ganghara Mori, and the left bank road will be 9.80 km long, running from Phuleli Mori Regulator to Ganghara Mori to Hyderabad Bypass.

These roads aim to reduce traffic congestion and enhance the city’s infrastructure and aesthetics. The CM emphasised ensuring timely and quality completion of the projects with proper monitoring and transparency.

Murad Shah also pointed out the challenges posed by encroachments in the construction of Abdul Sattar Edhi Road and called for resolving these issues.