Materials quality: ‘Cattle market to be rebuilt from scratch’

FAISALABAD:

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday took notice of use of substandard material in construction of a cattle market on Samundri Road and ordered officials concerned to finish construction as soon as possible.

Earlier, the Faisalabad DCO had ordered demolition of the market as substandard material was found to have been used in its construction.

According to a statement, Model Cattle Markets Project Director Afzal Khokhar told a meeting that the government would not tolerate poor quality material for construction.

He said the finance EDO, the Works EDO, the Buildings DO and consultants had been directed to ensure timely completion of the construction.

Khokhar said the design of the cattle market provided for trees to be planted to provide shade to cattle.

He said animal sheds, a veterinary hospital, lodges for cattle vendors, a restaurant, a dispensary, a mosque, a bank and a modern security system were included. A bio-gas plant would also be set up.

He said the cattle market was being developed over 46 acres.

The DCO had earlier formed a committee and directed it to submit a report on the low quality material used.

Khokar said Rs350 million had been allocated for the construction of the cattle market to provide modern facilities to animal dealers.

“The government will not compromise on quality of construction material,” he said.

He said the inquiry committee formed by the DCO had submitted its report to the chief minister. He said action would be taken against those found embezzling public funds.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^st, 2015.