Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Division is currently progressing with 232 highway projects alongside numerous other initiatives, as reported by Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Haider Shah, as reported on September 20.
As per details, he highlighted that the division has a total of 25,610 active schemes, including 15,722 dedicated to road development. During a meeting held at Shahbaz Hall, Chief Secretary Shah emphasized the need for efficient utilization of the PKR 950 billion development budget. He expressed concern over delays in project completion and inadequate funding allocations, urging for improved inter-departmental cooperation and communication to enhance budget management.
Key officials present at the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Syed Khalid Haider Shah, along with the Secretaries of Finance, School Education, Planning and Development, Works and Services, and other senior officers. Shah noted that the slow progress of various projects, such as a 2015 pumping station in Hyderabad, was halted over a minor cost issue of PKR 2500. He stressed the importance of clean drinking water and the responsible management of Maintenance and Repair (M&R) funds.
He called upon officials to take their roles seriously, focusing on the timely completion of projects, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and activating inactive reverse osmosis (RO) plants.
Chairman of Planning and Development Syed Najam Shah assured attendees that funds are available but emphasized the necessity of timely expenditures. He recommended immediate tendering for pending projects and a review or closure of inactive initiatives.
Divisional Commissioner Bilal Ahmed Memon mentioned that a new group has been established to foster collaboration and communication among departments to improve development outcomes. However, he pointed out significant challenges, particularly the absence of a comprehensive master plan for Hyderabad, although efforts to create one are underway.
The recent population growth and urban flooding have severely affected infrastructure, causing disruptions in educational activities due to deteriorating school buildings, especially in areas like Juhi and Khairpur Nathan Shah.
Memon detailed that the division is not only focused on highway development but is also implementing 97 building and educational projects. Specific allocations for various regions include 88 schemes for Hyderabad, 43 for Badin, 4 for Sajawal, 3 for Matiari, 4 for Tando Al-Hiyar, and 1 for Tando Muhammad Khan.
Despite this progress, 72 projects face revisions, 10 are delayed, and 12 have stalled due to funding issues. Additionally, 90 public health schemes are encountering financial challenges. The Secretary of School Education emphasized the budget allocation for public schools in Ghotki, Sanghar, Matiari, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Tando Allahyar, noting that only finishing work remains at the Tando Muhammad Khan Public School.
Deputy Commissioner Dadu raised urgent concerns about the need for a NICVD unit in Dadu, alongside discussing machinery requirements to complete the District Headquarters Hospital and Cadet College Kakar.
