APROPOS the photograph of the under construction G-7/G-8 underpass, (Metro North, June 28). It is a misnomer to call it the G-7/G-8 underpass. In fact, it is a signal-free corridor between Zero Point and the intersection at Faisal Avenue.

The project should have been completed in June, but is now expected to be completed by December. One doubts whether the project will even be completed judging by the pace at which work is progressing.

Any prudent person aware of the Capital Development Authority’s track record could have predicted the delay in the project’s completion. Other writers in these columns have expressed skepticism about the project on two accounts. One: it was ambitious and elaborate. A shorter and practicable alignment connecting G-7 to G-8 (similar to the one connecting G-8 to F-8) could have been designed, the execution of which would have taken less time and money.

Two: the project should have been executed in phases. That is: one side of the road could have been completed and made functional before undertaking construction of the other side.

This project reminds one of the two mega underground parking lots constructed at a huge cost involving the taxpayer’s money in F/7, instead of F/8 Markaz, where there is a greater need for such parking lots.

In the bargain, the image of the once posh F/7 market has been tarnished, particularly its vast open green space and beauty. It is now a grotesque concrete structure.

On the other hand, the underground parking lots are being used as garbage dumps and public toilet areas.

M. Khaled Sufi

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2020