ISLAMABAD: Construction work on the I.J. Principal Road, which is the first development project being executed by the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) was inaugurated by Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz on Monday.

The project for the up-gradation of the road was initiated by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), which had in May this year awarded Rs168 million for the construction work, which also includes carpeting the roads from Pindori Chungi to GT Road and lane markings.

However, even two months after the contract had been awarded, CDA had not yet started on the project. Meanwhile, the department for market and road maintenance was devolved to the newly formed IMC, which gave the mayor a chance to inaugurate the beginning of the construction work.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, the mayor said motorists had been facing problems because of the condition of the road and that demands had come in for starting construction work as soon as possible.

“We will ensure the repair and maintenance of all roads and the corporation will be fully active after a short while,” he vowed, adding that an interchange at Pirwadhai will also be constructed.

The Mayor said IMC has also been working on a project for bringing in water from Tarbela and that this project will be completed before the six month time frame.

Also speaking on the occasion was Chief Metropolitan Officer Asad Mehboon Kayani who said the road construction project will be completed in four months.

CDA sources told Dawn there is a chance the civic authority may delay releasing funds for this project as CDA was to pay for it from its own funds, which it had generated by selling plots.

IMC sources, on the other hand, said that according to the Local Government Act, CDA had transferred departments to IMC with their assets and liabilities and that this project fell in the domain of IMC and not that of CDA. They said IMC will explore other options for funding should the CDA delay releasing them.

When asked, Member Engineering Shahid Sohail said the project was initiated by CDA and therefore had the mandate to start it. He said there were no delays in releasing funds on CDA’s part and that after the award of the contract, some time is usually needed for completing formalities.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2016