Rahmatullah Buriro
The infrastructure of Sindh’s development, especially the road and communication system, is directly linked to the economic, social and institutional stability of any province. A strong and quality road network not only facilitates the movement of people, but also ensures access to trade, agriculture, industry and public services. The acceleration seen in the infrastructure sector in Sindh during the current tenure of Provincial Minister for Roads and Buildings Haji Ali Hassan Zardari is not limited to construction activity, but is also a reflection of a systematic institutional effort, which aims to connect the backward areas of Sindh with central markets and urban amenities.
With the support of the provincial government, more than a hundred development schemes are currently in various stages across Sindh under the Roads and Buildings Department. These projects include roads connecting district headquarters to talukas, link roads to access agricultural markets, and bypasses and signal-free corridors to reduce the increasing traffic pressure in urban areas. The rehabilitation, widening and reconstruction projects of district roads, especially those connected to the Mehran Highway (N-55), are giving a new direction to the trade flows from north to south of Sindh, which is enabling the transportation of goods, saving time and fuel.
A development budget of about Rs. 180 billion was allocated for the Roads and Buildings Department during the financial year 2024–25, of which a large part was kept for the completion of ongoing schemes and the initiation of new projects. According to official figures, more than 60 road schemes were completed during this period, while more than 80 projects are under construction. These figures do not only indicate budget spending, but also evidence that serious attention is being paid to practical work, transparent tendering system, monitoring and technical standards.
An important and prominent aspect of the performance of Provincial Minister Haji Ali Hassan Zardari is institutional oversight. Steps like third party validation of construction quality on many projects, presence of engineering staff in the field, and timely budget release make it clear that management is no longer limited to files, but priority is being given to achieving results on the ground. Especially in rural districts like Thatta, Badin, Tharparkar, Shikarpur and Kashmore, the improvement of roads has made a significant difference in public life, where access to schools, hospitals and markets has become easier than before.
However, along with the development process, some challenges also emerge. Delays in some projects, land acquisition issues, rising construction costs, and damage due to weather conditions are factors that cannot be ignored. In this regard, it is necessary that the Roads and Buildings Department make the digital monitoring system more effective, so that information about the progress, cost, and quality of each project can be transparently reached to the public and relevant institutions.
As a corrective suggestion, it is also suggested that road management units be established in each district. Which should also take responsibility for maintenance along with construction. Engineering universities and technical institutes should be involved in research, design, and innovation along with local contractors. Along with road construction, the maintenance budget should be given legal protection so that the condition of new roads is maintained for a long time. At the same time, flood-resistant design and use of sustainable materials are the need of the hour, keeping in mind climate change.
Overall, the tenure of Provincial Minister Haji Ali Hassan Zardari can be called a period of activity, institutional seriousness, and results for the Roads and Buildings Department. If the current pace is maintained along with transparency, quality, and long-term planning, Sindh’s road network will not only meet current needs, but will also provide a strong and sustainable foundation for development for future generations.
