The Mehmoodabad storm drain in Karachi is on its way to completion, according to recent updates. The drain, which was previously in a dilapidated condition, is now properly built and trash-free.
Work initially began on the drain earlier this year. Authorities removed the illegal settlements which helped to widen the drain. Moreover, the Mehmoodabad drain was cleaned up in record time.
Originally 3.57 km long, the Mehmoodabad drain starts from Korangi Road to the Fire Station. Its width varied at different places from 2.3 meters to 37.5 meters. However, authorities worked to streamline the drain. The Mehmoodabad drain will collect rainwater and carry water to rivers (Lyari & Malir) and thereon into the sea.
Read more: Monsoon: A critical season for Karachi?
Mehmoodabad Drain before and after pictures.#PTIRestoringKarachi #KarachiTransformationPlan pic.twitter.com/aiTS2OLRXV
— undone (@just_kidding01) December 12, 2021
Importantly, the federal government directed the revamping of the drain owing to last year’s Monsoon torrential rains that claimed more than 30 lives in Karachi. To clarify, the storm drains in Karachi faced blockades due to encroachments and the disposal of solid waste.
The reduced width and choking decreased the discharge carrying capacity of these stormwater drains. Therefore, they could not manage Monsoon rainwater safely. As a result, the government prioritized the revamping of the old drainage systems and came up with the Karachi Transformation Plan.
Read more: What is the future of Karachi Transformation Plan?
Under the Rs 1.1 trillion plan, authorities will address various issues of infrastructure with over 100 different projects in total. Furthermore, for the speedy completion of projects, the government tasked the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to undertake rehabilitation of Gujjar and Mehmoodabad stormwater drains in Karachi.
With FWO’s leadership, the Mehmoodabad drain saw improvements within the first 6 months with FWO employees working shifts round the clock, which under normal conditions would have taken around 2 years.
FWO speeds up construction
Important to note, the government often tasks FWO with important mega infrastructure projects due to the organization’s timely and efficient implementation.
Earlier, the organization speeded up work on the Timergara-Khar-Mamad Gat Road. The Rs 7 billion project will complete by June 2022 as planned by the government.
As per recent updates, the asphalt work on the road is currently underway, signaling the final stages of construction. Moreover, according to the Project Officer, FWO is working on the project around the clock.
Moreover, Balochistan announced a plan to release Rs 182 billion to FWO for road and dam projects. FWO will receive the amount as part of the Southern Balochistan Project (SBP).
Read more: FWO to receive Rs 182 billion for Balochistan’s development