Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has said that Empress Market and adjoining streets would be revived to their past glory not only to preserve the history but also to promote a healthy environment in the area.
He said this while talking to the media during his visit to Lucky Star and Empress Market to inspect the work on revival of Empress Market and surrounding areas under the governor’s package. Commissioner Karachi Syed Asif Hyder Shah and Deputy Commissioner South Saleem Rajput were also present on the occasion. The project would be completed by July 2016 with an estimated cost of Rs 158 million.
Ebad said that under the project Empress Market, Preedy Street, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan Road and Mir Karam Ali Khan Road would be made pedestrian and a shuttle service would be started to facilitate customers desiring to go to the markets in the area. A two loop tram way between MA Jinnah Road and Sarwar Shaheed Road had also been planned which would culminate at Parking Plaza, he added.
The governor said that the plan of re-routing of buses would be implemented strictly and to ensure the same Mansfield Street was being reconstructed. To ensure proper sewerage system in the area replacement of existing sewerage line with broader ones would also be undertaken, he added.
Ebad said that revival of the whole area would beautify the entire locality and it would guarantee a peaceful atmosphere and environment for not only the people of the area but also for Karachiites from all over the city. He said that law and order and peaceful conditions were closely linked with any development activity and there could be no development unless there was peace. “Priority is being attached to recovery, restoration, rehabilitation and redevelopment of parks and other recreational facilities, with a view to provide Karachiites with improved recreational facilities,” he added.
The governor said that unique buildings and monuments like Empress Market were identity of the city or country and they also symbolised their history. The building of Empress Market was also both unique and historic in nature which should be restored to its original shape, he observed, and said that as such it was our collective responsibility to make efforts in this regard, so as to beautify our city with a sense of ownership.
He said that “to restore the past glory of Karachi we have to work jointly as it was our collective responsibility. Maintenance and care of existing parks, play grounds and other recreational facilities must be given priority by each and every one of us.”In reply to a question, the governor said that there was no truth in the impression that the Sindh government was not working. “The development projects are being executed with the assistance of provincial government,” he added.