October 14, 2006	Saturday	Ramazan 20, 1427

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FAISALABAD, Oct 13: The fate of the proposed Abdullahpur flyover hangs in the balance owing to one reason or the other. The project was announced by the Punjab government at the start of the current year but work on it is yet to be initiated.

The plan directly affects district nazim Rana Zahid Touseef, as his house will also be demolished to acquire land. However, the nazim has reportedly succeeded in having the design changed and now the land of his house is not included in the fresh map.

The project worth Rs850 million will help reduce traffic load at the Abdullahpur intersection.

After the announcement of the project, people of the adjoining areas started a protest drive, saying the flyover would render them homeless.

The government, however, remained adamant, forcing the people to take to roads a couple of months ago.

Displaying banners inscribed with slogans against the construction of the flyover, the people are demanding underpasses. Shopkeepers on Jaranwala Road have also opposed the flyover.

The district nazim has also raised his voice against the `ill-planned’ flyover on many occasions, also demanding the construction of underpasses or changes in its current design.

During his speeches, he said: “I absolutely support the project for people’s welfare, but it should be well planned. The plan has many technical faults which must be removed.”

The nazim claimed that he had briefed the Punjab chief minister on the project and the latter had endorsed the removal of technical faults.

A couple of months back, a meeting was called by the district nazim at the Circuit House, which was attended by area people and Nespak consultants. The latter were asked to brief the participants about the design of the flyover. Sources privy to the meeting said the nazim had raised a number of objections to prove the plan a failure.

Sources said Mr Touseef had tried his level best to get the map changed but failed. He also offered Rs62 million for the construction of underpasses on the same road.

After the reported satisfaction of the nazim, a press conference had been arranged on March 21 this year in which Mr Rana said construction work on the flyover would be started soon. He was also accompanied by officials of the communication and works department and Nespak. Six months after this announcement, no progress has been made.

During the press conference, the Nespak officials had made it clear that none of the alternative plans could match the importance of the flyover at this busy intersection.

Meanwhile, Naziran Bibi of Tariqabad said, “Why is the government not ready to pay heed towards the public demand, and how can the project be beneficial if poor people are its victims and not the rich?”

Another resident Akram Sheikh said: “How can you leave your houses where you and your family members have been living for a long time and I will not vacate my house at any cost?”

When contacted, the district nazim told this correspondent that scores of changes were being made in the design, which also included construction of underpasses.

The project involved approximately Rs1 billion and “we cannot spend such a huge amount on a project that will cause traffic jams on Susan Road and Railway Station Chowk.” Work would be initiated after the removal of reservations of the people, he said.

To a question about his opposition to the flyover, Mr Touseef said “as the district nazim I wish to facilitate masses instead of creating problems for them.”