Metro bus project: Two public parks yet to be cleared of debris

Official says construction firms bound to clear rubble

RAWALPINDI: Construction companies have failed to remove rubble and debris which they had dumped in two public parks in Rawalpindi while working on the Metro Bus Project.

Though the construction firms have packed up their work, they have left unattended bits of rubble and construction material at a ladies park near Liaquat Bagh and a children’s park at Committee Chowk. Under the agreement, the construction firms were bound to clear the debris, however, owing to the unattended construction material the parks have lost their purpose and seldom has any visitors.

When contacted, NESPAk General Manager Danish Raza said that the construction firms were bound to remove the debris and those violating the agreement will be dealt with firmly. He said that construction firms were also bound to maintain the upkeep of the Metro Bus route for two years after the service resumed.

Raza said that almost half payments to the firms have been withheld so that they could not escape their responsibilities. He said that the construction firms would soon be asked to clear the debris from the two parks.  He also said that work on the Peshawar Mor Interchange will also be completed very soon.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18^th, 2015.