National Highway Authority has signed agreements with two Chinese construction companies for the rehabilitation of flood damaged roads. Pakistan and China had signed a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2010 during the Chinese prime minister’s visit, for an amount of $190 million for 2010 Flood Damages Restoration of National Highway Network NHA Chairman Javed Iqbal Awan, Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Liu Jian, Commercial Counsel Li Shao Tong and representatives of Chinese construction companies were present at the occasion. Awan spoke about the exemplary cooperation between Pakistan and China in the construction sector. He said vast opportunities existed to expand cooperation and roads that had been damaged during the 2010 flood would be rehabilitated with financial assistance from China.
He said under the agreement, China Yunnan Sunny Road and Bridges Co Ltd will rehabilitate 163 km long south sections in Sindh, which included Sehwan-Dadu City, Khairpur Nathan Shah-Mehar of Indus Highway and Hala-Moro, Pano Aqil-Ghottki, Ghotki-Sarhad and Sarhad-Dharki Sections of N-5.
China Railway Bureau Group Co will rehabilitate the northern section of Shikarpur-Ghouspur and Thakot Bridge to Raikot segment of Karakoram Highway.
Awan said the project designs had already been completed and work on the roads would be finished in 30 months. He said completion of the rehabilitation work will further cement friendly ties between the two countries.
Chinese Ambassador Lin Jian said, “This financial assistance is a gift from the government of China for Pakistan and it will benefit the people at large.” He pledged to continue cooperation and extend it to other sectors as well.
