In a recent plot balloting ceremony, the PM had delivered a speech which, according to sources, was written by Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials. The factual situation of the project was not highlighted in the pre-prepared speech. The PM had also said that new solar energy saver lights were installed at ZPI that would help save 40 per cent electricity.
However, insiders said two CDA officials visited Italy for this purpose but did not succeed in finalising arrangements for the new light system. At the moment, ordinary lights are installed at the site. The contractor and the project manager of ZPI confirmed that the project would take more time.
A summary of the contractor, Maqbool Associates, regarding extension in deadline is already pending with the Contract Department of CDA. In this summary, among other reasons, delay in payments by CDA is cited as one of the main reasons for delay in the project’s completion. The CDA has yet to initiate the process of getting a revised PC-1 approved from the Cabinet Division, a necessary obligation considering that the cost has almost doubled.
Abdul Jabbar Malano, Member Engineering CDA, said, “We had to make many changes in the original plan of the ZPI due to the construction of the National Monument at Shakarparian.”
But he termed ZPI project as a “landmark for the capital city.”
Project Manger Mumtaz Hussain said some loops had already been opened for traffic but the loop beneath Pakistan National Monument would take extra time.
Chairman CDA Imtiaz Inayat Elahi told The Express Tribune that the project would be completed on time. He claimed that ZPI project would bring significant reduction in the traffic mess. He said no changes were made in the original design of the project, arguing that the monument was constructed before the ground breaking ceremony of the ZPI project. He did not comment on a question regarding engineering faults and expected delay in the execution of the project. He said that all is well and there was no problem with ZPI project. An official said, “The construction of Pakistan National Monument had affected the original design of the interchange. The project would require further financing and consultancy to make it safer for commuters.”
He acknowledged that some of the technical faults in ZPI project could not be removed due to which two more such interchanges needed to be built in the city, at 7th and 9th Avenues. “The size of a loop passing near the monument has been squeezed, which will force drivers to reduce speed when approaching it,” he said.
The design of the bridge makes it difficult to ply on, especially the loop road coming from Faizabad, going towards Peshawar Mor. “It is a traffic hazard when the interchange connects with Kashmir Highway, where an ugly merging lane has been created by placing stones,”
he added.
Moreover, some CDA officials were also skeptical of the construction work around the cliff adjacent to National Monument. “Maqbool Associates lack the skills to reinforce the cliff next to the monument. Cutting and excavation work on and around the hill has made it vulnerable to sliding downwards,” said an official. “We will have to seek help from some international construction or engineering consultancy firm to strengthen the hill,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2010.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ