Karachi (Reporter ) Continuous rains have caused a major portion of the Malir Expressway (Shahrah-e-Bhutto) to collapse. Between Jam Goth and Memon Goth, a dam breach sent a strong water flow that washed away the road. According to the master plan, a bridge was supposed to be constructed at this spot, but instead, soil filling was used. The filled soil eroded during the rains, splitting the road into two parts.Sources revealed that the project was initially launched with a budget of Rs. 24 billion, which later escalated to Rs. 44 billion.
Despite the massive expenditure, the road could not withstand the pressure of the rains, leading to cracks and collapse, leaving the administration in serious trouble. The Malir Expressway was constructed under a Public-Private Partnership. The width of both carriageways was kept at 36 feet each, while the overall length is between 40 to 50 feet.
However, citizens have expressed shock and disappointment over the collapse and the dangerous cracks appearing in such an important highway. An official of the administration, on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the protective stones installed along the river-facing side of the road had also been washed away, while the soil filling had completely eroded.
He said the matter is being reviewed with seriousness.Residents have staged protests, demanding immediate and durable repairs of the Malir Expressway to prevent major accidents and to save the multi-billion-rupee project from further damage.
