Slow pace of work on Bund Road project irks authorities

LAHORE:Commissioner Lahore Zaid bin Maqsood, once again, expressed dissatisfaction over the speed of work on package-II of the Controlled Access Corridor Bund Road project here on Wednesday.

Commissioner, along with LDA DG Tahir Farooq visited the project and reviewed the ongoing development works. He directed to use all resources to complete all sections in a speedy manner and clear water pounding in a given time period.

It is pertinent to mention that the package-II of the project was late from its scheduled completion date and the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, during her recent visit at the project, also expressed anger on the delay and gave new deadline for the project’s completion. After the visit of the chief minister, the LDA DG also started visiting the project site on daily basis but

allegedly, the work on the site was still going on snail’s pace.

Sources in LDA’s Engineering Wing claimed that the LDA has not imposed any fine on the contractor of the project for exceeding the timeline. They said that the start of pre monsoon season may further delay the project due to ponding of rainwater on service roads. The delay in the project has already cost LDA millions of rupees on the pretext of cost escalation, the sources said.

On the other hand, LDA DG claimed that the project was delayed due to release in approved funds but now the funds were released and the work on the project wasgoing on full scale. During his visit, Commissioner Lahore instructed that service lanes of the Package-II must be completed expeditiously due to the arrival of monsoons. He directed to lay concrete andasphalt by working day and night. Commissioner reviewed the desilting and repair and maintenance works of the drain on the service road. Furthermore, Commissioner Lahore Zaid bin Maqsood along with CTO Lahore Amara Athar inaugurated the awareness campaign under the safety programme. During the inaugural campaign, bikes’ side view mirrors, helmets and bike indicators were also distributed among motorcyclists.

Commissioner Lahore said that the observance of traffic rules is the hallmark of a civilised nation. He said that the animated video for obeying the lanes and signals for motorcyclists is also part of the awareness drive. This is not just a campaign but the first phase of a traffic rules education programme.

He said the main objective of this campaign is to protect the citizens from accidents through awareness of traffic rules. He said that road safety campaign is a commendable effort and this programme will help a lot in spreading awareness about traffic rules across the city.

CTO Lahore Amara Athar said that citizens should be part of the traffic awareness campaign and the use of helmets will significantly reduce head injuries. She said that according to the data, the rate of severe head injury is the highest in motorcycle accidents. She said that apart from awareness drive, practical measures will also be made for effective implementation of traffic rules.

Muharram events central control room to be set up in DC Office

A meeting regarding municipal arrangements for Muharram was held under the chairmanship of Commissioner Lahore Zaid bin Maqsood. The Commissioner said that Muharram central control room will be established in DC Office Lahore. He said that due to the rain during Muharram, Lesco will be put on alert to prevent current in the poles and eliminate hanging electric wires from all Muharram procession routes.

He said that in view of monsoon in Muharram, drainage arrangements should be completed around the routes of Muharram processions and gatherings. Backup generators are indispensable in case of a power outage.

Commissioner said that the DC control room will be fed with 1,480 cameras. Patchwork is being done on the route of important Muharram processions in the City. He said that chemical and cylinder shops must be checked in the city and especially in the areas around Muharram processions and gatherings. He said that a security plan has been devised for Muharram.

Accordingly, strict surveillance of the hotspot is going on. Traffic police will issue traffic advisory on daily basis according to Muharram routes and the teams of emergency services and administrative officers will accompany the processions. He further said that all the districts have prepared the Muharram arrangements plan in consultation with all the stakeholders. The role of scholars is the most important for creating harmony among the public, he added.