FAISALABAD, Nov 16: The historical Clock Tower of Faisalabad has failed to attract the local administration or any non-government organization even at its 100th birthday, which went uncelebrated on Nov 14.

No function was arranged to mark the event by the government or any traders’ body, it was learnt on Saturday.

The construction of the Clock Tower, a living monument in its own right, started in 1903 by British Lt-Gov Sir James Lyall over an arid tract between the Ravi and Chenab, known as Sandal Bar. It was near old settlement Mari-Patan where the shrine of Baba Noor Shah Wali is located.

The Clock Tower was placed in the centre of the eight bazaars of the district, dedicated to Queen Victoria, who had died 80 years earlier. The decision of its construction was taken by the then Jhang deputy commissioner, Capt Beke. Sir James Lyall laid its foundation stone on Nov 14, 1903.

The well, which formerly existed at the exact location of the Clock Tower, was filled with earth brought from the farms of Chak Ram Dewali on the Sargodha Road. The stone used in its construction was brought from the Sangla Hills, about 50 kilometres from here.

The Clock Tower stood in two years at a cost of Rs40,000 after which a function was arranged to celebrate its completion. The then Punjab financial commissioner, Mr Louis, was the guest of honour.

Although the Clock Tower is in good shape and does not require repairs from outside even at the age of 100 due to fine quality of material used in its construction, its interior needs immediate attention of the authorities concerned.

At the time of its construction, fountains had been installed in front of four bazaars — Aminpur Bazaar, Katchery Bazaar, Karkhana Bazaar and Jhang Bazaar — which were visible from all the eight bazaars. However, two of the fountains have now disappeared.

The Big Ben clock installed in the tower remained out of order for many years, but now it tells time to all. The four big clocks erected in it are also working well.

However, the plaster of the Clock Tower has started decaying and cracks have appeared on stairs inside and outer pillars. The railing has been broken and roofs have become a shelter for birds. Pedestals inside the tower are in bad shape.

Moreover, visitors to the tower are shocked to see its fading stones, crumbling base-pad and dust all around.