Sindh government to construct, carpet 19 roads in SITE Karachi: secy

"The Sindh Government has shown willingness for the construction and carpeting of 19 roads of SITE Karachi. The work will be done by SITE Limited." This was disclosed by Secretary Industries Sindh, Dr Nasim-ul-Ghani Sahito.

Speaking at a meeting of Site Association of Industry (SAI), he said that Sindh government accords priority to industries and we call Industries Department as Industrial Promotion Department. Sindh Industries & Commerce Department has been playing an important role in running the economic wheel of the province.

Realizing the importance of industries, this department has made all out efforts to solve the problems of industrialists. Industrial friendly policies have made it possible to have better relations with the industrialists who in turn have invested in many industries.

Secretary Industries agreed with the views of industrialists, that SITE Limited has several issues.

He floated the idea of changing identity of SITE Limited from company to a corporate entity making it more industrial-friendly and asked the members of the association to give their inputs in this regard.

Managing Director, SITE Limited, Syed Mehdi Ali Shah said that Sindh Industrial Trading Estate has asked the Sindh government to provide rupees one billion for improvement of infrastructure of SITE industrial area.

He urged the Secretary Industries to include provision of Maintenance and Repair head in the budget of SITE Limited which, at the moment, is not available.

He said that during construction of new roads, rain and sewerage drains will also be constructed on both sides and Centre of road to avert water accumulation and extend road life.

Zubair Motiwala asked him to first make traffic diversions so that the commuters suffer the least. Motiwala and Chawla stressed the need to revive Works Committee of SITE LIMITED to monitor construction of roads in SITE Area and appreciated the efforts of MD SITE Limited in this regard.

He said that roads in SITE area are no more motor able and need urgent repairs. He also referred the working efficiency of SITE Limited due to 1000 surplus staff, the body has no money to spend on the uplift of infrastructure which continues to deteriorate with the passage of time. Water recycling plants of KWSB, HUBCO and Combined Effluent Treatment Plants of SITE and Korangi also came under discussion.

Zubair Motiwala urged the Secretary Industries to unbundle the CETP project and proceed with SITE and Korangi plants where land is already available. He also requested the Secretary Industries to advocate the matter of cost escalation of the project before the Chief Minister Sindh.

He drew the attention of Secretary Industries towards water distribution system of SITE area and said that water lines replacement is also required upon start of water supply to SITE from recycling plant of KWSB.

President, SITE Association, Suleman Chawla welcomed the Secretary Industries and Managing Director SITE Limited and stated that today's agenda is to discuss the infrastructure and water related issue of SITE area and requested the Secretary Industries to extend help & support to uplift the infrastructure of SITE area.

Former President, Jawed Bilwani appreciated Secretary Industries for taking personal interest and taking immediate actions in resolving them. He expressed dismay over frequent transfer of Managing Director of SITE Limited and said that this practice has brought the body at the verge of collapse. He asked the Secretary Industries to follow orders of Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan, which orders that government officer must be posted at one station for at least 3 years.

He also raised the issue of non-functional water pumps of SITE area and requested the Secretary Industries for an early revival.