The Sawan Bus terminal bridge has still not been constructed even three years after it collapsed in the monsoon rains.
The rapid flow of water in Nullah Leh during monsoon 2019 caused the bridge connecting Sawan bus terminal with GT Road to collapse. As a result, there is no link between the bus terminal and the nearby settlement.
After the incident, the Rawalpindi administration had announced it would be repaired soon. However, three years have passed, and the issue is unresolved. Rebuilding the bridge would restore the alternate route for motorists using GT Road along with linking nearby establishments to the main road.
Meanwhile, erosion on both sides of the bridge is underway because of flooding in Nullah Leh. Because of erosion, a large pole belonging to WAPDA collapsed while the absence of a protective wall along the banks was a danger to the adjoining bazaar, as it could be inundated at any time.
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A trader, Muhammad Ghulam Din, said the bus terminal management and locals of the area have submitted dozens of applications to the district administration but without success.
He said the erosion on both sides of the broken bridge poses a grave threat to people living along the banks, while it will also hinder reconstruction of the bridge if delayed any further.
A transporter, Yaseen Butt, said that their vehicles have to use a longer route from the Sawan bus terminal to GT Road stands, which is an additional expense and time-consuming. He urged the Punjab government to build the bridge at the earliest.
A Public Works Department official, requesting anonymity, told The Express Tribune that a major hindrance in construction of the bridge is an issue of jurisdiction, but refused to elaborate further.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 19th, 2021.
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