Steel bridge faces dilapidation before inauguration

Road constructed under Rs13b project develops cracks

DERA GHAZI KHAN: Asia's sixth-largest steel bridge, which was completed at a cost of Rs13 billion in Rakhi Gaj tribal area near Fort Monroe, is facing dilapidation even before its inauguration.

The project was launched in 2016 at Gardu Mor, near Fort Monroe, a tourist destination in southern Punjab, in collaboration with Japan.

The first phase of the project has been completed at a cost of more than Rs13 billion and Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to inaugurate it.

The road constructed on the bridge has started to develop cracks at several places before the inauguration. Local people fear that further worsening of the road’s condition may cause accidents.

Majority of work on N-70 highway completed

When contacted, NHA Deputy Director Hafizullah Khan Buzdar told The Express Tribune that a diesel tank leaked in an area less than 100 feet away, which had caused damage to the bridge, but it had been repaired by engineers employed by the contractor.

At present, the project is being supervised by a Japanese company, he added. “Japanese engineers, who are at the site camp office in the area, are also responsible for its maintenance for three years. Therefore, there is no need to worry.”

The engineers will thoroughly check the project and then hand it over to the NHA, he elaborated. “The first phase has been completed and soon the second phase will start.” Some people are trying to disrupt the development of the area by waging propaganda against the plan, he claimed.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2020.