25 December 2004	Saturday	12 Ziqa'ad 1425

KARACHI, Dec 24: The development of a depression again in a portion of the Liaquatabad flyover warrants a thorough technical study to detect any further flaw in its remaining portion.

The recent depression developed in the flyover prompted the Adviser to Chief Minister on Local Government, Wasim Akhtar, to form a committee for preparing a detailed report on the flyover.

A few months back when a portion of flyover had developed cracks, the city government had hired the services of ECIL, a consultant firm to carry out a technical study; however, its report was still awaited, sources told PPI on Friday.

The inquiry committee's report about the development of cracks a few months back had failed to specifically hold anyone, engaged at the time of construction, responsible.

However, it was pointed out that substandard concrete was used in the particular portion of flyover, in which the crater had developed. In addition, laboratory test reports had also suggested that low quality material was used in that particular portion, substantiating the earlier inquiry report.

Despite the fact, the city government was still in a quandary to fix responsibility. Sources said that reports submitted at different times carried conflicting contents, and despite the use of substandard concrete, mentioned by the inquiry committee, it was okayed during the inspection process after its completion.

"But now the situation is entirely reverse, as reports suggest use of substandard material in its construction," sources added. Another reason cited by sources was the unavailability of proper record about the construction and inspection of the flyover.

Various files concerning the project were lost during the shifting of record from the old KMC building to Civic Centre after devolution of the KMC into the city government, it was stated. -PPI