Description
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to get the Murree Expressway project assessed by Chinese specialists to make it sustainable against snowfall, land sliding, and erosion.
During the NHA briefing on the rehabilitation of Murree Expressway, the premier pointed out that regular damage occurred to the road and retaining wall which raised questions on the design and quality of the work.
Referring to the quality of construction work on Hazara Motorway as a “treat to watch”, he stated that the NHA should consult the contractor of the road to provide guidelines on how to evade future wastage of public money on the project.
Shehbaz Sharif also issued orders to give an investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to enquire about the award of the contract and fix responsibility for the poor work quality.
Moreover, he asked the NHA to stop work on the project immediately unless the Chinese company assess the project and provide instructions to move ahead. He asked for replicating the Hazara Motorway model to ensure better work quality.
On the occasion, PM was informed that a Geo-tech consultant has been hired for the project who had served the Hazara Motorway project.
It was also informed that the project was accomplished with delay in 2008 because of the acquisition of forest land and problematic terrain.
Prime Minister noted that the damage to the retaining wall had become a long-lasting feature and repeated his call for engaging a consultant to propose the specifications of the road.
Meanwhile, Sharif said rather than permitting the mushroom growth of kiosks and restaurants, two proper rest areas should be established at equal distances to offer quality services to the backpackers.
He also issued orders to curb the illegal construction activity in Jhika Gali.
The prime minister said he wanted a complete survey of such construction along with a detailed presentation.
He also directed the administration to ensure proper testing of the current cable car to avoid the recurrence of any mishap as took place in the recent past.