27 April 2005	Wednesday	17 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1426

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PESHAWAR, April 26: Senior Minister of the NWFP Sirajul Haq has said that the government was considering use of a new road construction material that has proved more durable, cost- effective and time-saving. The step is being taken to improve the dilapidated condition of highways in urban and rural areas of the province despite frequent construction and repairs, said an official handout.

This was stated by the senior minister while talking to a European delegation of a UK-based firm producing this material which called on him at his office Civil Secretariat here on Tuesday.

The delegation included Douglas McArthur MD, Walter Brogan Director Operations, Pakistani representatives Sq Leader.

Khalid Khawaja and Abdul Rashid Ghazi. It was stated that the new road material BS-100 and TS- 100 reduced expenditure up to 25-50 per cent and completion period up to 50 per cent, while the road constructed with this material had a durability of 50 years.

Similarly, such a road proved to be waterproof and safe from negative impacts of extreme weathers. Hence rains and immense cold or heat could not harm the road and the government would not have to spend more money on its maintenance. The delegation offered free construction of some portions of roads in the NWFP on pilot basis.

The minister accepting the offer directed to form a committee comprising concerned experts to pinpoint the roads on suitable places for ascertainment of the durability of the road material.

He regretted that most of the newly-constructed roads in the province were always damaged soon after completion resulting in wastage of public money.

The delegation also assured the senior minister for establishment of its manufacturing plant with transfer of technology at local level after rise in demand of the road material in the province.