Hub Bridge – a disaster waiting to happen?
The bridge with eroded pillars connects Karachi with Quetta, Gwadar
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A dilapidated bridge in Hub on Karachi-Quetta Highway can cause a human tragedy as the authorities have neither been able to take notice of it or repair the structure, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.
This bridge built on Hub River came into limelight on Friday after a video went viral on social media, showing the eroded foundations of the pillars. But still, the structure is being used by thousands of people daily, including trucks and trailers.
This bridge not only connects Karachi with Quetta, Khuzdar, Kalat, Chaman and other towns and cities but also the Gwadar port through the Coastal Highway.
As soon as the video first appeared on social media, people using Twitter gave a strong reaction and warned the government officials that it could lead to a disaster.
A tragedy waiting to happen.
— Sikander Bizenjo (@sikanderbizenjo) September 4, 2020
Please take timely action and avert it. This is criminal negligence if you don't. This is the main bridge in hub connecting Sindh and Balochistan which sees thousands of cars every day.@jam_kamal @LiaquatShahwani @Senator_Baloch @ZarrarKhuhro pic.twitter.com/sKtzjPAADS
This is a bridge over a main road from #Karachi to #Baluchiatan at #hub area. What's the concerned authorities are doing when they are working on #CEPC? Are they waiting for the bridge to be collapsed. @AsimSBajwa #BajwaLeaks
— Gohar Mehsud (@tribaljournlist) September 5, 2020
@Senator_Baloch pic.twitter.com/lZycltpQj6
Playing with human lives this is the latest video. The more you share it, the more you will be rewarded regards hub Chocki bridge pic.twitter.com/PNs1lyrMrG
— Nasir usman Rind (@Nasir63050305) September 5, 2020
It is now revealed that the Lasbela deputy commissioner had warned the National Highway Authority (NHA) on March 4, 2020 about the situation through official correspondence.
However, the NHA Zonal Office in Khuzdar on Sept 4, 2020 wrote a letter to the head office in Islamabad, saying that either the existing bridge should be repaired or a new one is constructed.
March warnings pic.twitter.com/tTQUPMEi4o
— Hasan Zaidi (@hyzaidi) September 5, 2020
The Hub town located in Lasbela district is the biggest industrial centre of Balochistan and enjoys great significance due to its proximity to the port and availability of skilled labour in Karachi.
Several big and famous industrial units – ranging from power production and cement plants to textile units and pharmaceutical companies – have been established in the area.