| Thatta: The Sindh government has granted approval for the allocation of PKR 8.5 billion for the implementation of Phase-II of the 31.1-kilometer-long Coastal Highway Project, according to news published on July 3.
Read: CDWP approves development project in multiple sectors
The Phase-II of Coastal Highway Project extends from the town of Buhara to the settlements at the tail-end in Keti Bundar, reaching the Arabian Sea. Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Haji Ali Hassan Zardari revealed that following the government’s approval, tenders have been invited from interested parties to expedite the completion of the project.
He disclosed that the project was initially designed in 2010, just a few months before the devastating floods struck Sindh, causing widespread destruction and casualties, particularly in the areas along the coastal belt. After being put on hold for a couple of years, work on Phase-I, which stretches from Buhara to Hargenia Salt near Bhanbhore towards the National Highway, was completed. However, due to various reasons, Phase-II could not commence for several years.
The necessity for this coastal highway arose as the encroachment of the sea was continuously eroding land and damaging the settlements of fishermen along the coastal belt between Zero Point in Badin and Ali Bundar. One of the primary objectives of the project is to support agriculture and revitalize the declining fishing industry in the deltaic region. Furthermore, the project will facilitate the adequate supply of potable water to the population of coastal villages by providing fast and convenient transportation.
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Highlighting additional benefits of the Phase-II of Coastal Highway Project, MPA Zardari mentioned that the coastal highway would enable quick response by rescuers in situations such as floods, sea storms, boat capsizing, and other emergencies. The rescued individuals could then be swiftly transported to hospitals for life-saving treatments.
Moreover, MPA Zardari further highlighted that the coastal highway project would greatly contribute to promoting tourism, as both local and foreign tourists would have convenient and swift access to numerous historical and heritage sites across the region. Moreover, they would enjoy international-standard facilities that will be established in the near future. |
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