Governor of Sindh addressed a press conference following a meeting with members of the business community. During the session, he shared a proposal that suggests Saddar Parking as a temporary relocation site for shopkeepers affected by the Gul Plaza fire.
The suggestion, put forward by Maulana Bashir Farooqi, recommends moving shopkeepers who lost their businesses in the Gul Plaza inferno to the underutilized Parking Plaza near Empress Market. The move aims to provide immediate relief rather than serve political interests.
Governor Tessori emphasized that the Mayor should consider the proposal seriously. He noted that relocating shopkeepers would take approximately six months to a year for them to stabilize operations at the new location.
The Governor highlighted that the Saddar Parking Plaza offers over 150,000 square feet of space, exceeding Gul Plaza’s 100,000 square feet. This makes it a feasible option for temporarily housing the displaced businesses.
“We can visit the Parking Plaza to assess its suitability for shifting the Gul Plaza shopkeepers,” he stated. The Governor said that the site could accommodate more shopkeepers than the original location, ensuring smoother operations during the transition period.
In addition to the temporary relocation, the business community has urged that Gul Plaza be rebuilt on a “cost-to-cost” basis as soon as possible. The Governor emphasized that reconstruction should prioritize long-term recovery and stability for all affected parties.
Officials also noted that this approach ensures minimal disruption to business activity while providing humanitarian support to the victims of the tragic fire. By using the Saddar Parking Plaza, authorities aim to maintain economic activity and protect livelihoods.
The proposal, which suggests Saddar Parking as a temporary hub, is under review. The Governor assured that a feasibility study will be conducted to determine the practicality of shifting shopkeepers while reconstruction efforts at Gul Plaza continue.
This plan represents a collaborative effort between government authorities and the business community to support affected traders and restore normalcy in the area.
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