KARACHI:
The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has defended itself against criticism over dug-up roads across Karachi, stating that it disbursed Rs11.9 billion to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and various Town Municipal Corporations (TMCs) for road-cutting and rehabilitation between July 2024 and June 2025.
While political and civic groups have blamed the utility for damaging roads to lay pipelines, SSGC sources clarified that the company made timely payments as required, and the responsibility for restoring the roads lies with the municipal bodies.
According to SSGC data, the highest payments—Rs3.55 billion—were made to TMC North Karachi and TMC North Nazimabad, followed by Rs2.10 billion to TMC Model Colony. Other disbursements included Rs1 billion to TMC Lyari, Rs490 million to KMC, and smaller amounts to several other TMCs. The lowest amount, Rs227,000, went to TMC Gulshan.
Despite these significant disbursements, road conditions remain poor throughout the city. Notably, SSGC did not issue any formal protest or secure binding agreements before transferring the funds. Nor did it receive assurances from TMCs regarding road restoration.
Following public anger after recent heavy rains, SSGC has now begun drafting protest letters to KMC and the relevant TMCs, demanding explanations for the lack of rehabilitation. However, insiders caution that pursuing legal action could complicate future road-cutting approvals from these municipal authorities.
Story by Ehtesham Mufti
