KASUR: The dilapidated condition of Lower Bari Doab Canal bridge in Phoolnagar near Head Baloki is becoming a constant source of nuisance for motorists.

The bridge that was constructed in 1950s had developed large potholes through which a car could easily plunge into the canal. There were at least 10 such holes covered with wooden planks on the rusted steel net of the bridge.

Hundreds of people from surrounding districts travelled daily to the recreational spot of Head Baloki that lies 65km southwest of Lahore. Another bridge near Baloki village -- about 3km from the dam – had been declared dangerous for several years but motorists still used it for lack of an alternative.

According to locals and visitors to Safari Park Hunting Luxury Resort Baloki, the bridges spoke volumes of the tall claims of the Punjab government.

A rest house was being constructed with billions of rupees after a previous one had been demolished, but these two bridges were ignored, lamented Muhammad Ramzan of Bhai Pheru. He said the Punjab government always set wrong priorities, adding that the bridge constructed before Partition and currently closed for motorists was in a better condition. He alleged that corrupt officials were minting money in the name of repairs.

Motorists Khalid Mahmood, Muhammad Nadeem, Zahid Hussain and Babar Ali said the canal bridge was in a very poor state and could cause a serious accident any time. The potholes were barely covered with wooden planks or iron sheets and were wide enough for a car to plunge into the canal from 50 feet.

Locals Rehmat Ali, Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Din, Qadir Ali said the bridge linked various districts, including Kasur, Faisalabad, Nankana Sahib, Mor Khunda, and hundreds of heavy vehicles used this bridge. They said the bridge vibrated when vehicles moved on it, adding that the pillars on which the bridge rested had also developed cracks.

Moreover, the condition of the link canal bridge near Baloki village that connected hundreds of villages also presented a picture of neglect on the part of the government. The bridge had been declared dangerous by the irrigation department however motorists had no choice but to use it. Their repeated complaints with the department were falling on deaf ears.

“Is the government waiting for some mishap to take action for building a new bridge,” said a local, Sakina Bibi.

She also said Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had built a network of bridges in Lahore but ignored the one that put the lives and limbs of hundreds of people at risk.

Locals and motorists demanded the government take serious notice and look into the matter.

Irrigation Sub-Divisional Officer Rana Masood Ahmed said constructing bridges was the responsibility of the highways department and irrigation department had nothing to do with it. His department had written to the highway chief engineer regarding the condition of the two bridges, he claimed.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2018