Road projects shift raises questions
Amid public concerns of overlooking severely dilapidated roads, authorities concerned have transferred development schemes for the reconstruction and improvement of nine roads in Rawalpindi to the Communications and Works (C&W) Department.
Funds amounting to Rs1.677 billion allocated by the Municipal Corporation will also be transferred to the department.
According to sources, tenders for the schemes will be invited and processed by the C&W Department, leaving the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) with little more than the role of granting administrative approval and transferring the funds.
The schemes cover Fifth Road, China Market Road, Gordon College Road, Rawal Road from Ali Nawaz Chowk to Murree Road, Chandni ChowkCommercial Market Road, Fourth-B Road, Band Khanna Road, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed Road, Bokra Road and Railway Workshop Road. The combined length of the nine roads is more than 12 kilometres, with the schemes scheduled for completion by December 31, 2026.
Citizens have expressed concern over the allocation of substantial funds for the reconstruction of some roads that remain in relatively good condition, questioning why severely dilapidated roads are being overlooked.
They pointed out that the road from Bostan Road, Scheme III, to Car Chowk had deteriorated badly and required immediate rehabilitation. The road leading to Cadet College in Gulrez has also remained closed for the past year due to a landslide, forcing traffic through alternative streets, which are themselves in poor condition.
Citizens demanded that the most severely damaged roads be given priority in rehabilitation schemes and that development funds be used effectively.
Repeated attempts were made to contact Municipal Corporation Chief Officer Faisal Shahzad for his comments, but he could not be reached.
Illegal constructions face crackdown
On the other hand, the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation has launched a crackdown on illegal commercial constructions in its controlled area, with newly appointed Administrator and Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir introducing a zero-tolerance policy against violations.
Two survey teams have been constituted to prepare a comprehensive report on illegal commercial buildings and identify violations of building laws and approved plans.