Space under flyovers

Sir, There are many flyovers in Karachi. Many of these were constructed during the last city district government's tenure to effectively manage the motor vehicle traffic load. This objective has been achieved to a great extent and there is a need for more flyovers in future as there is a constant increase in traffic load. However, it has been observed that in many cases the piece of land under a flyover has not been utilised effectively and has been kept open for the general public's use. This has resulted in misuse of this land and people are using these areas as dustbins and all sorts of businesses are flourishing underneath them. This not only creates a general nuisance but also results in pollution of the surrounding environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the provincial government, in coordination with the city government, to take immediate measures in this regard, as it is affecting the overall image of the city and its environment. A comprehensive plan is urgently needed to utilise this land for the benefit of all citizens. In future, while awarding contracts of flyovers to any company, it should be made a mandatory responsibility of all companies to develop the land under a flyover. These spaces can be used to establish emergency centres where first aid can be provided while automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can also be placed there. They can also be used as a base for ambulances. This will improve the quality of life in the city and also the overall image of Karachi. FAUQIA YAMEEN Traffic nuisance Sir, Being a responsible and educated resident of Karachi, I consider it my duty to follow traffic rules and regulations. Unfortunately, I have noticed that people jump the lights almost every time regardless of the traffic flow or time of day. People try to rush through the traffic despite the fact that vehicles from the other side are just about to move. May I remind readers that rushing through oncoming traffic poses a great danger to people's lives. I hope people try and understand what's at stake here. FAHAD M. FAROOQUI Karachi Wastage of power Sir, I have seen streetlights remain on during the day countless times, which is a total wastage of power and loss of money.Does the KESC, as well as the civic authorities, not realise that this is a waste of energy and have they ever questioned why these lights are not turned off during the day? This sort of negligence is contributing to the national electricity crisis. Please do not waste electricity unnecessarily. All streetlights should be turned off at sunrise and those responsible for negligence in this regard should be punished. ASHFAQ SHARIF Karachi Telephone number Sir, After the payment of the first out of total three instalments, I was told by the Landhi Telephone Exchange that my residence phone number (35001639) would be restored within 24 hours. But when I contacted the office concerned the next day, I was surprisingly told that my phone number would now be restored within two weeks by the authorities in Islamabad. Will someone in PTCL help me in restoring my residence phone number at the earliest? CONCERNED CUSTOMER Karachi Request to KESC Sir, The cricket World Cup is in full swing, with almost every citizen, irrespective of age and gender, watching these games. Especially when Pakistan is playing, the World Cup craze is at its highest. The game is heading towards the knock-out stages. Hence, through your newspaper I would request the KESC management to reschedule the timings of loadshedding so that the people of Karachi can enjoy the matches. ANAS HAMDANI A cricket lover city@dawn.com