LAHORE: Keeping in view the slow pace of utilisation of funds on the part of the officials concerned or other bottlenecks, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has asked its engineering wing to complete the ongoing development works including various at-grade (on ground) civil works of the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train Project.

“Though we have accelerated pace of work on various development projects including the Orange Line within last 20 days or so, we still feel that a lot is yet to be done. And this may force us to do some changes (transfer of officials) in our engineering wing in near future,” a senior LDA official told Dawn.

“Without doing so (making some changes) in our engineering wing, we may not be able to complete key LDA projects since the percentage of funds utilisation (provincial and LDA funds) is just 15 per cent or so,” the official added.

The LDA has been executing Rs3 billion Orange Line’s works (construction of footpaths, drains, service roads, lane marking, installation of traffic signals, painting curve stones and parking areas). Of Rs3 billion, over Rs1.5 billion have already been released to the LDA. Similarly, work on Rs8 billion sports complexes in most National Assembly constituencies of Lahore was initiated by the PML-N government, but it remained halted during the interim government and first year of the PTI rule. Later, the government directed the LDA to complete sports complexes and released Rs1.5 billion more for the purpose.

Though the LDA resumed construction work on a fast pace some four months ago, its completion still seems many months away. Likewise, the authority was asked by the Punjab government to also resolve issues related to traffic congestion at Ek Moria Pul (junction) and approved over Rs700 million for it. The work on the project also slowed down in the last couple of months.

Moreover, the work on Rs100 million Thokar Niaz Baig junction that had begun some months ago also slowed down. The project includes remodeling, facade uplifting, landscape and civil work upgrade. Similarly, there was no further progress on the Rs1 billion project of widening, rehabilitation and repair of 60 roads in the city that had entered advanced stage some six weeks ago.

Besides the aforementioned projects, work on Rs3.5 billion LDA City Housing Scheme also slowed down despite Supreme Court’s directions to accomplish the task in the stipulated time.

In addition, various works for the launch of Rs3.5bn Shahkam Chowk flyover (near Bahria Town) that was approved on Oct 22 are also facing delay.

“I believe that we will meet our targets related to utilisation of funds and completion of various ongoing projects before June 30 -- the last date after which the funds will be lapsed,” claimed LDA Chief Engineer Habib Ul Haq Randhawa.

He said the work on Eik Moria Pul is under way at a fast pace, as the LDA has completed the girder work on one side of the rail track. “With completion of this work, the movement in traffic has been eased,” he claimed.

He said the at-grade work at package-2 of the Orange Line was also under way. “I am hopeful to complete the asphalt work at the stations within next two months. At the moment 85 per cent work has been completed,” he claimed.

Mr Randhawa admitted that the work on sports complexes was stopped. “But it is not our fault, but the Planning and Development department that is yet to accord approval to the revised cost of the project.

While claiming 70 percent completion of work in the LDA city housing project, the chief engineer said the work on Thokar Niaz Baig entry gates was stuck due to designing and cost revision issue. “However, we have almost resolved this issue now,” he maintained.

He further said the LDA was all set to begin work on Firdous Market underpass project. “But there are some issues in the way of commencing work on Shahkam Chowk flyover project,” he said.

According to another official source, the provincial government has taken serious notice of massive delay in various projects being executed by the LDA, directing the authorities to ensure completion before June 30 by all means.

“The government has also started deputing senior officials to visit the projects’ sites. On Sunday, an additional secretary visited the Orange Line site along with the LDA DG,” he said.

Meanwhile, Additional Secretary (CM Secretariat) Amir Karim visited various sites of the Orange Line’s at-grade works and Thokar entry gates along with the LDA DG.

“You must start work on shuttering of the entry gates within next couple of days,” said the LDA DG while visiting the sites on Sunday. “Even if you need additional labour, you are allowed to do so,” he told the engineering staff.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2020