Underground cabling project faces delays

Prompts concerns among residents, local businesses

RAWALPINDI:

The Underground Cabling and Beautification project in Saddar's commercial area is experiencing severe delays, prompting growing concerns among local businesses and residents about its impact on the community.

Initially inaugurated on January 17, 2024, the project has reportedly transitioned to a "go slow" phase, with multiple issues arising since construction began.

The project's most pressing problems include ongoing vibration issues for vehicles traversing Bank Road, attributed to the uneven and tough tiling being installed on the carpeted surface.

Residents have expressed frustration over the bumpy conditions, describing their driving experiences as jarring.

Moreover, the underground sewage system is reportedly becoming clogged, leading to fears that roadways will become impassable when heavy rains occur, potentially transforming streets into ponds.

Local business owners are particularly worried about the delays, as the prolonged construction has significantly disrupted commercial activities in the area.

Many merchants in the Saddar Commercial Area are struggling to attract customers due to the obstructed access and unsightly construction zones that have emerged as a result of the project.

Concerns about the pace of work became particularly pronounced after a recent inspection conducted by high-ranking officials, including the defence secretary and DG MLC, on October 24. Despite their oversight, little progress has been made in the subsequent ten days.

A section of Bank Road that was to be completed remains blocked by construction materials. This obstruction has persisted for over twenty days, exacerbating traffic problems in the busy commercial district. Anjuman Tajran Rawalpindi Cantt General Secretary Zafar Qadri has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the project's slow advancement.

As a member of the steering committee representing local traders, he has expressed concern over his exclusion from the consultation process, particularly as the project continues to stall. Qadri highlighted that business activities are suffering greatly and indicated that merchants are being urged to consider protests to demand action.

The financial implications of the project are also troubling for stakeholders. To date, an estimated Rs830 million has been spent across various phases, with initial allocations of Rs400 million and Rs500 million.

As construction delays continue, the total cost of the project is expected to increase, raising questions about budget management and financial oversight.