Karachi: Underpass Project Stalls with Rising Costs and Complications
Slow pace of work and deeper digging to avoid the rupture of an underground water main on the already delayed Karimabad underpass project not only continue to pile miseries on people, but have also caused escalation of the project cost from Rs1.4 billion to Rs3.8bn.
The project, which is being executed by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), was delayed mainly due to tardy release of funds by the provincial government and deeper digging where a main line of Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation was passing through increased costs furthermore complicating completion timelines.
The project may take eight more months to complete if 30% work is completed with no pauses in progress, as funds are being released by the provincial government now that they’re carried out round-the-clock. If delayed fund release persists, a new estimated date for completion will be provided later on.
Local residents and traders voice their discontent over transportation issues caused by slow construction progression leading to air quality deterioration in the area due to dust from prolonged digging work. The lack of alternate traffic routes has negatively impacted local businesses at Meena Bazaar, particularly affecting shopkeepers and merchants who rely on steady foot traffic for their livelihoods during peak hours between 8am-10am as well as late afternoon rush hour from approximately around midday till closing.
Women and children are adversely impacted by frequent trips through unprotected areas lacking adequate fencing or lighting which pose security concerns with potential for lawlessness amidst crumbling civic infrastructure, overcrowded manholes overflowing sewerage lines not relocated during construction due to digging disrupts normal living conditions.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah voiced grave concern about minimal progress on the project and urged authorities for expeditious action towards resolution which is now being executed with renewed pace given funds have been released by provincial government, work must continue nonstop in order to stay ahead of looming law enforcement situations threatening public safety.
Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2decade-old and more recent developments suggest that the underpass construction has led significant delays causing numerous issues for locals living near area with no immediate plans considered before starting on a major infrastructure project which impacts them greatly negatively affecting daily lives significantly beyond mere inconvenience.
