SWABI: In the absence of a proper drainage system, the lifespan of two under construction roads here will be short, fear officials in the communication and works department.

They told Dawn on Tuesday that the six kilometers long Topi-Gadoon Amazai Industrial Estate road, costing Rs70 million, was being built with a purpose to take the load of heavy trucks bringing raw materials to the Gadoon Estate.

They said a few days back, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar had inspected the road and warned the contractor and C&W department to use standard construction materials or face action.

When asked about absence of drains on both sides of the road, the officials said these were not included in the project.

The local residents said in the absence of drains, rainwater and sewage would flow over the road, damaging it and shortening its lifespan.

however, during his visit the speaker had directed that the drains be made part of the road construction.

The project engineer and the contractor said the road was to complete in two years, but Mr Asad wanted it completed till June 30, next year.

The contractor said Mr Asad had assured to ensure timely release of funds.

Similarly, the 12-kilometer-long Kunda-Kalabat road widening and reconstruction was commenced about three months back.

When contacted, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Rehmanullah told Dawn the estimated cost of the project was Rs224 million and it was scheduled to be completed in 18 months.

However, it is learnt that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly speaker directed that the road be completed earlier than the deadline.

But, a C&W official said the project won’t be completed before the deadline due to the ongoing wet spell and passage of the road through congested localities.

He said it might not be possible to construct drains on both sides of the road because of lack of space Meanwhile, price of tomato has increased by 100 per cent in the local bazaars in last few days.

According to buyers, a few days back tomato was sold at Rs40 per kilogram, but now it is selling at Rs80 per kg, registering an 100 per cent increase in its rate.

Tomato price would further increase in coming days, predicted a retailer in the fruit and vegetable market.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2015