Work on this bridge on the Samanabad drain has been going on for eight to nine months at a snail’s pace. The idea of the bridge was conceived by a local PML-N MPA apparently to facilitate residents of Fasih Road who have to use the Poonch Road bridge to reach their homes at an estimated cost of over Rs30 million. The work on the project started some nine months back on a fast pace but, later, it slowed down. Since then a small portion of the bridge could be built. The builders seem to be in no hurry and they seem to have abandoned the work. Residents of Fasih Road say the idea was not feasible in the first place and term the project sheer waste of money. Instead, they say, the Poonch Road Bridge could have been elevated to allow smooth water flow. They say the bridge that has become too old is far low and plus it hinders water flow. They say since the monsoon is round the corner, there is a likelihood that the drain may overflow in case of heavy rain. At the construction side, the drain is closed on the one side and water at that point passes slowly and with some difficulty. They appeal to the Punjab chief minister to look into the matter and fear that it may turn out to be a scam. They urge him to take remedial measures to save the localities on the side of the drain from flooding during the monsoon. The pictures of the structure show that the bridge is elevated from the ground and there is little space on the roads along the bridge. One wonders how a motorist can negotiate a turn on the bridge at that height. The builders may have some idea to cater the issue but what is visible is enough to raise concern. One picture shows building material rusting away on the road. —Text and Photos by Tariq Saeed