LAHORE: The much-awaited Walton Road project, initially slated for completion by the end of July, has faced significant delays, causing widespread frustration among local residents and shopkeepers. The project, aimed at upgrading the road infrastructure and improving traffic flow, has been plagued by various setbacks, causing a delay in the completion of the project.

Residents and shopkeepers along the Walton Road have expressed their concerns as the Central Business District (CBD) has failed to complete the project within the seven-month timeframe and it is now asking for additional time. The delay in construction has heavily impacted businesses and properties in the area.

“The delay is causing us a lot of trouble. Our sales have dropped because customers avoid the area due to the construction mess. The noise and dust pollution are unbearable and the traffic congestion is disrupting our daily activities,” says Ahmed Raza, a shopkeeper.

The CBD launched the project in November 2023, covering an 18km stretch from Walton Airport to the Hudiara Drain. One of the main parts of the project is to clear and cover the Airport Drainage Authority (ADA) drain, which runs parallel to the road and has become a source of pollution and flooding, especially during the monsoon.

The project whose deadline was July prolonged till September-end

The ADA drain, originally built to manage 80 cusecs of rainwater, has been contaminated with sewage from various localities, including Askari, Bedian, Cavalry Grounds, Walton, and Falcon Colony. This contamination has raised the drain’s level by four feet, reducing its capacity to handle rainwater and causing frequent overflows during the monsoon, leading to water logging and traffic jams on the Walton Road.

Residents and shopkeepers along the road have raised concerns about the slow pace of work, especially with the current monsoon rains exacerbating their problems.

“The elevated road level means rainwater from the road is entering our shops and homes, damaging our properties,” complains Ayesha Khan, a resident of the road. “The delay is making things worse,” she adds.

On Thursday, Lahore Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood held a meeting to review the progress of the Walton Road Development Scheme.

CBD Executive Director Technical Riaz Hussain briefed the meeting, saying that the 4km long Walton Road, having six lanes, would be completed by the end of September. He reported the project was 35pc complete and the 4.3km deep trunk drain on road had been completed 100pc.

The commissioner also reviewed the construction progress of the Walton Road Trunk Drain System, flyovers, disposal stations and sewers. He said that the street water would not flow back into street sewer lanes after construction of rider sewers on the Walton Road. An underground trunk for utilities was being constructed and green belts would also be built.

It has been revealed during the meeting that two disposal stations are being constructed on the Walton Road, with work on one station 79pc complete and the other 95pc done. The old Nullah on Walton Road would be demolished and wastewater would pass through the deep trunk drain.

The commissioner directed the CBD to complete the Walton Road project as per the deadline.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2024