Islamabad: CDA takes notice of slow pace of work on CitiBank Chowk Flyover

[Naveed Yaseen]

CDA takes notice of slow pace

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
by Muhammad Anis

Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has taken notice of slow pace of work on the flyover at Citibank Chowk due to lack of coordination between CDA officials and the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP).

It has also been learnt that the contractor of the project is facing shortage of material due to restriction on entry of heavy vehicles in the limits of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

CDA Chairman Tariq Mehmood Khan has directed the concerned officials to resolve the issue so that the flyover and roundabout could also be opened for traffic by the extended deadline of January 15, 2009.

The construction of the flyover would require installation of nearly 100 girders each weighing 85,000 kilograms. So far 18 prefabricated girders have been placed on the structure of the flyover.

Out of more than 70 dumpers and trolleys, less than 20 vehicles get permission to reach the site of the project and the rest are stopped at the Golra toll plaza and other entry points to the capital.

The 1,050-metre Citibank Chowk underpass at the Faisal Avenue was opened a day before Eidul Fitr. However the work on lane marking and installation of streetlights is yet to begin.

“I want the momentum be picked up and problems relating to the ITP and security be resolved,” the CDA chairman told officials.

He also said that the clause of penalty should be invoked on the construction firm if it is found responsible for delaying completion of the project.

He said that the pace of work should not be slowed down on any development project. It should rather be expedited.

Tariq Mehmood said that the ongoing work on the construction of e-toll plazas would also be completed in the shortest possible time, as these development projects have become a hurdle in the smooth flow of traffic. These toll plazas are being constructed on Build, Operate and Transfer (BoT) basis at I J Principal Road, Kashmir Highway and Islamabad Highway.

Meanwhile, a steering committee, headed by member estate, has been constituted to look into matters relating to the acquisition of land. The committee members, who also include Director Land Chaudhry Asadullah Faiz, Director Enforcement Faiz Muhammad, would visit problem areas in E-12, I-15 and other ‘stalled sectors’ to prepare a report and give recommendations for immediate action.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=142284