KARACHI, Nov 14: The works and services department of the city government has failed to complete the construction of flyovers at Hasan Square and Karsaz intersections within the stipulated time, which was November 2006.

Work on both flyovers was likely to be completed by the end of December, a city government official said on Tuesday.

However, the official said that delay in completion of these projects would not create any problem in connection with the forthcoming mega defence show, ‘Ideas 2006’ that is scheduled for Nov 21 to 24 at Expo Centre.

The carpeting of main carriage way from Karsaz to Hasan Square had started and it would be completed before the exhibition, he said adding that the adjoining roads of the under construction Karsaz flyover had been also carpeted.

During the exhibition, he said, work on Hasan Square flyover would remain suspended at Expo Centre side.

The city government official said that a contract for construction of Karsaz flyover was awarded to a contractor 18 months back but the project was delayed inordinately due to various reasons including negligence of works and services department and the contractor. Besides, the KWSB had also delayed to hand over a portion of land to work and service department at Karsaz for the project, he added.

About two months ago, the city nazim cancelled the tender of the contractor taking notice of undue delay in the construction work. On his directives, the works and services department recalled tenders for the project and the contract was awarded to another company.

The new firm was asked to complete the project by Nov 15, but only 60 per cent work had been completed so far, the official said adding that the project is expected to be completed by the end of December.

The deadline for completion of the Hasan Square flyover too was set as Nov 15, but the contractor could not meet the deadline. He said that the shifting of underground utility lines had caused delay.—Online