Development projects face delay due to rains

[Salman]

Development projects face delay due to rains

Rawalpindi

Construction work on different ongoing projects, particularly Phase-II of Mareer Railway Bridge Expansion Project and Metro Bus Service Project, has greatly been affected because of rain spells this month.

According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), most parts of the country, particularly Punjab, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad, were in the grip of cloudy weather for more than two weeks.

‘The News’ learnt that contractors working on different projects are facing difficulties due to rains.

Work on shifting of utility services for Metro Bus Service Project was greatly affected due to rain. Similarly, second phase of Mareer Railway Bridge Expansion Project was also affected. “If rains continue as per routine, development projects may get delayed,” the contractors warned.

The city district government, Rawalpindi, also could not start patchwork on roads due to rains.

The rain started at around 11 p.m. on Thursday and continued with short intervals till the filing of this report on Friday. The Meteorological Department recorded 20mm rainfall in Rawalpindi and 23mm in Islamabad on Friday.

Pakistan Meteorological Department Director Dr. Muhammad Hanif told ‘The News’ that most parts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad, would receive more rains in the first week of April. The current rain spell in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad would end on Saturday, he predicted. Weather is globally changing, therefore, “we are receiving more and more rains in spring season, he said.

After rains, the residents of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad would face cold winds on Saturday, he said.

The rains have already turned the weather chilly in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for a couple of days. The majority of hilly areas including Murree, Nathiagali and Ayubia received light snowfall.

“A further low pressure is developing over northern Pakistan. Rawalpindi-Islamabad and neighbouring areas are likely to receive more rain in the coming days with breaks. As a result of snowfall in hilly areas of the country, the temperature may decline further,” said an official of Meteorological Department. The rains inundated streets in low-lying areas creating problems for the residents.