Uplift schemes come to a grinding halt in Rawalpindi

Contractors abandon projects citing payment delays

RAWALPINDI:

Ongoing development projects initiated under the tenure of former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha have ground to a halt due to the nonpayment of funds to contractors.

These crucial projects encompass the construction of roads in Rawalpindi city, repair work, carpeting, and the installation of a solar lights system on paved roads, along with the upgrading of intersections.

Contractors, frustrated by the delayed payments, have abandoned the projects, resulting in machinery being parked along roadsides, contributing to traffic congestion. The deteriorating condition of the roads has become a source of inconvenience for the citizens.

One of the major initiatives undertaken by the former commissioner was the extensive upgradation and carpeting of key highways within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi. Notable roads like Liaquat Road, Rashid Minhas Road, Asghar Mall Road, and others, totalling more than 50km, were slated for improvement at an estimated cost of approximately Rs1 billion.

However, the current status of the project reflects a standstill, as the newly appointed commissioner of the Rawalpindi division has put the project's file on hold and suspended funding for the contractors. Currently, only 30 to 40 per cent of the project has been completed, with only the first layer of carpeting laid down on the roads.

The crucial second layer, involving tasks such as planting new plants, installing tuff tiles on the sidewalk, and finalising the colour of the pavement, remains pending.

The district administration has issued directives to the contractors to resume and complete the project, but the contractors are steadfast in their demand for payment according to the contract terms. The district administration, though hesitant, has yet to release the necessary funds. Meanwhile, the contractors have declared their refusal to resume work until they receive their due payments, which also include wages for labour.

Simultaneously, another project focused on transitioning road intersection lighting to solar panels has also been suspended. The administration's position is grounded in the formation of the new Punjab government, with promises that contractor payments will be processed in the first week of March. The fate of these vital projects now rests on the timely disbursement of funds.