IT city in Sindh being planned
KARACHI- The government is considering setting up an IT City in Sindh with high-tech industrial units and educational institutions of high standard which can cater to the future needs not only of the country but also of skilled manpower abroad.
Some private parties have approached the government with the offer to bring enough investment from abroad for the project provided a zone was earmarked where law and order be ensured, official sources said.
This project, it is learnt, will be in addition to the educational city which has been planned between the Superhighway and the National Highway.
These parties, according to sources, have also shown interest in investment in the proposed Gorakh Hill Station in view of its location and environment.
With the construction of metalled roads linking Superhighway, the Gorakh Hill station would easily be accessible for entrepreneurs, multinational concerns and technocrats.
The Sindh government has already allocated Rs 100 million for development in the current budget. This fund is being spent on provision of facilities, like water supply and improved means of communications, including building of roads.
The scheme of developing Gorakh Hill Station into a tourist resort was launched in 1999 with an estimated cost of Rs 45.52 million. According to its PC-1, the development work of providing infrastructure facilities, like water, power, roads, and other basic amenities, has to be carried out in three phases. But, after a change in the government, the work stalled and now its cost is estimated would be Rs 166 million.
Recently the Sindh chief minister, Ali Mohammad Mahar, paid a visit to the site of Gorakh Hill Station, and ordered that the pace of work be expedited.
A summary has already been moved to set up the Gorakh Hill Development Authority so that a proper master plan can be prepared keeping in view its location near the port city.
Mr Mahar, talking to a group of journalists, disclosed last week that many private parties had shown interest in the development of the Gorakh hill project. They included builders, multinational firms, foreign investors, banks and representatives of international chain of hotels and restaurants.
Before taking any decision, the government has instructed the departments concerned to chalk out a comprehensive strategy.
Sindh Chief Secretary K B Rind has also formed a committee to expedite the pace of work which is headed by District Coordination Officer, Dadu. The committee will meet every week to review the progress of work and take practical steps to remove the hurdles.
Those, who are aware of its topography, are of the view that the development work at the Gorakh Hill, besides generating employment opportunities for local people, would also bring a boom for construction industry as its climate will attract people to build summer houses and develop recreational facilities.
Source: Dawn
Date:4/21/2003
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