RAWALPINDI, Aug 20: The civic authorities are turning a blind eye to the problems the residents of the city have been facing since work started on replacement of old water pipelines last year and still remains unfinished.

Choked drains, overflowing stinking water on the damaged roads, wobbling vehicles and traffic jams are common scenes on Asghar Mall, Saidpur road and Banni chowk where work on replacement of the pipelines is still continuing at a snail’s pace. The project launched on November 2 last year was to be completed by September 9.

Poor workmanship is causing hardship to thousands of people residing in the area who have been passing through an ordeal since the project was launched by former federal minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and the district nazim Raja Javed Ikhlas.

In the first phase, pipelines were laid on Saidpur road but the road was left in a dilapidated condition making it impossible for the residents to cross it easily. The contractor left the site before repairing the damaged road. Later, replacement of old pipelines was started on Asghar Mall, Murree Road which is still continuing.

Around six feet deep and six feet wide ditches were dug on Asghar Mall for laying the pipelines and were left open for a long time despite the district nazim’s assurance to the residents that the problem would be resolved soon.

“It is a death trap as hundreds of schoolchildren pass through the dilapidated road which is filled with sewage,” a resident of the area said, adding it was an example of poor workmanship and lack of interest on part of the district administration.

“It is an exceptional working style, road has been cut and closed down for traffic. Clouds of dust are moving up, drains are choked and sewerage lines are damaged. Besides, drinking water is mixing with sewage. No alternative route has been located for traffic,” Mr Bilal, an old-time resident said.

A woman said: “I would request Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif to come here along with the newly-elected members of parliament to see the development work started by the previous government and how public money is being wasted here.”

It may be noted that the road was made of asphalt but now it is not being repaired with the same standard of material.