MARDAN: Commissioner Mardan Division Syed Muhammad Ali Shah has ordered the complete removal of permanent encroachments, directing authorities to begin operations in urban areas and remove illegal roadside billboards within one week.
The directives were issued during a high-level meeting at the Commissioner’s Office in Mardan to review encroachment removal, road maintenance, urban beautification and progress on ongoing development projects.
Officials from the National Highway Authority (NHA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority (PKHA), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA), Communication and Works Department (C&W) and other relevant departments attended the meeting.
Commissioner Syed Muhammad Ali Shah made it clear that no compromise would be made on permanent encroachments and instructed the departments concerned to coordinate their efforts for effective enforcement.
He directed NHA, PKHA and C&W officials to identify and clearly demarcate the boundaries of roads under their respective jurisdictions to facilitate action against illegal structures and roadside encroachments.
The commissioner also ordered the removal of unauthorised billboards installed along roads within seven days, saying such structures created obstacles to traffic movement and affected the city’s appearance.
Road repairs and beautification ordered
During the meeting, the commissioner directed the relevant departments to repair potholes, remove roadside waste and improve cleanliness along major roads.
He also instructed officials to clean, paint and beautify central road medians as part of efforts to improve urban infrastructure.
Special attention was directed towards the beautification of flyovers in Mardan city, with instructions to ensure regular maintenance and monitoring after renovation work.
The commissioner emphasised that road improvement and sanitation measures should be carried out through coordinated planning among the departments responsible for urban infrastructure.
Drainage work completed in three union councils
Officials of the Cities Improvement Project briefed the commissioner on ongoing development schemes, particularly improvements to the city’s drainage system.
They informed the meeting that drainage improvement work was underway in six union councils, with construction completed in three and activities continuing in the remaining areas.
The officials also identified technical difficulties affecting the implementation of certain components of the project.
Commissioner Shah directed the departments concerned to resolve these issues through mutual consultation and coordination to ensure timely completion of the drainage schemes.
He stressed that delays should be avoided so residents could benefit from improved drainage facilities.
SNGPL directed to protect road infrastructure
The commissioner also instructed SNGPL officials to coordinate with municipal and other relevant departments before undertaking gas pipeline installation work.
He said effective consultation was necessary to prevent damage to roads and other public infrastructure during pipeline installation.
The commissioner directed all departments to adopt a coordinated strategy for encroachment removal, road maintenance, sanitation and completion of development schemes.
He said improving road conditions, ensuring cleanliness and completing public infrastructure projects on time were essential to making Mardan a cleaner, better-organised and more accessible city for residents.