HUB, (Balochistan Dispatch): Commissioner Lasbela Division, Ms. Saira Umar, chaired a high-level meeting in Hub on Monday to review the progress of the multi-billion-rupee Hub Master Plan project. The session was attended by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lasbela, Mujahid Mandokhail; Project Director (PD) Hub Master Plan, Arbab Ayub Kasi; DIG Lasbela Range, Abdul Qayyum Patafi; and other senior officials, including the Chairman of the Municipal Committee and representatives from the consulting firm.

During the briefing, PD Arbab Ayub Kasi provided an overview of the project, which is envisioned as a cornerstone for the modernization of Hub city. Commissioner Saira Umar emphasized that the project is a top priority and directed officials to ensure that work does not stop at any cost. She stated that she would personally monitor the physical and financial progress of the projects for which funds have been released.

"Development projects should not only be visible on multimedia but should be seen on the ground," the Commissioner asserted, adding that funds should be released according to the project's requirements and that she would not tolerate any "bottlenecks or disruption" in the process. She issued directives to the Project Director to ensure the timely execution of the plan.

Demographics and Phased Development

Officials briefed the Commissioner on the master plan's scope, revealing that the city's population distribution includes 30% industrial, while 70% comprises urban and agricultural areas. The first phase of the Master Plan includes six major projects.

Financial Details

Despite the total project cost being estimated at Rs. 6 billion, the meeting noted that only Rs. 140 million has been approved for the current fiscal year. Furthermore, the DC and PD highlighted that only 4% of the allocated budget for the ongoing fiscal year has actually been released. Commissioner Umar took strong notice of this and ordered a joint coordination meeting with the Sui Gas and K-Electric authorities to address the funding and utility coordination issues.

Key Infrastructure Projects Update

Significant progress was reported on several sub-projects:

· Entry Point & Transit: A modern gate and an interstate bus terminal will be constructed at the main entry point of Hub City. The foundation work for the terminal and green areas has been initiated.

· Administrative Buildings: Work is ongoing on the DC Complex Hub and Officers Colony, with a total cost of Rs. 92 million. The complex has achieved 40% physical and 32% financial progress, while the Officers Colony has seen 30% physical and 20% financial progress.

· Drainage & Sewerage: Work on drainage and sewerage projects along the 5-kilometer stretch of the RCD Highway is underway. A 1-kilometer sewerage line and a 100-meter drainage line have already been completed.

· Service Corridor: The service corridor on both sides is being designed on the lines of Bahria Town. Future needs are being addressed by working on underground electric cables.

· Phased Construction: The project will be executed in phases. The first phase includes sewerage, water supply, and drainage, while the second phase will involve road blacktopping.

· Completion Target: Officials informed the Commissioner that the completion of projects is scheduled for June 2026, subject to the provision of funds.

Social and Recreational Facilities

The meeting also reviewed plans for a modern sports complex to be built at the Jam Ghulam Qadir Stadium. Work on a bus stand, a park for women, and a gym park on the RCD Highway will commence soon. Upon completion, the projects at Allahabad Town and Jam Ghulam Qadir Complex will be handed over to the Sports Department.

Anti-Encroachment and Utilities

The Commissioner was informed that encroachments are being removed from Court Road, Mari Chowk, and Toli Daro Road. Drainage and sewerage work is also in progress on Peerks Road.

In response to concerns over utility coordination, Commissioner Saira Umar specifically ordered a joint meeting with Sui Gas and K-Electric officials to ensure the smooth execution of the projects. The meeting concluded with a resolve to accelerate the development work to provide modern facilities to the citizens of Hub.

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