Karachi: Karachi road network is in deteriorated condition for many reasons. Most of roads even after renovated have been broken in short span of time. During monsoon, almost every Karachi road had been destroyed and sewage water overflowed. A huge amount of Rs 11 billion has been allocated by Sindh government for renovation of road and sewage network.

Road network renovation work was started in September however, reports of broken roads have been appeared just after a few days of carpeting. Contractors, who are awarded road contracts are blaming officials for taking “commission” over handing over road contracts to them. “If we are giving “speed-money” for getting contracts and clear our bills, so road quality should be compromised,” Saeed Mughal, a contactor claimed. He said contractors are using “Irani dammer” to meet cost of commission by facilitating concerned officials.

Entire system starting from awarding road tender to its completion, all process is dubious, Mughal asserted.

Another contractor Ashfaq Sherwani on commission system in engineering departments said, “Officials are dealing with their some “special agents” through a system and those persons are making deal with contractors.” “Agents are making deals with some blue-eyed contractors and taking them advance money for confirming their contract.”

He said officials are appointing through “system”, too, whether are eligible for post or not, adding a grade-18 officer is appointed on grade-20 and grade-21. NED Department of Urban and Infrastructure Engineering Chairman Dr Prof Adnan Qadir elaborated how to make a smooth and long lasting road.
Karachi Development Authority Chief Engineer Nadeem Iqbal clearly denied statements regarding giving commission for awarding contracts. Iqbal said some contractors for hiding their negligence and wrong doing are levelling wrong allegations on engineering department.

“In first phase, a scheme is announced and department invites tenders through tender committee,” he added. After 15 days tenders are opened in presence of contractors in bidding process.

Department analyses contractor’s capacity for completing work before awarding work to company on merit.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 07 2022

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