LDA plans new directorate for timely roads repair

LAHORE: In order to make a solid mechanism for timely repair and rehabilitation of roads in the provincial metropolis, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has decided to establish a dedicated maintenance and repair (M&R) directorate.

Timely repair and maintenance of city roads was a grave issue as it costs LDA and other civic agencies millions of rupees every year. The quality of construction material used for making of roads or for their repair and maintenance also came under question many times in the past.

However, LDA DG Tahir Farooq finally settled this issue and recently held a meeting regarding establishing the M&R Directorate in the authority where briefings were given on different M&R models.

The meeting was informed that modern technology, artificial intelligence and circular vehicles will be used for the monitoring of city roads while a mobile app having features of geo-tagging and digital records will be made for M&R directorate.

LDA DG Tahir Farooq directed that a solid mechanism be made for the repair and rehabilitation of roads in the LDA controlled area. The repair and rehabilitation, patchwork and maintenance of the highways of the provincial capital should be ensured.

In the meeting, LDA DG Tahir Farooq said that different zones will be assigned to LDA and Tepa to ensure responsibility and transparency. Surveillance, repair and rehabilitation of roads, infrastructure, signage, manholes will be carried out in the provincial capital.

LDA DG said M&R teams will patrol the field on a daily basis and response time will be ensured. Repair and rehabilitation of patchwork, manholes and infrastructure of roads will be carried out regularly. DG LDA said that the quality of work, monitoring and evaluation will be checked by a third party.

DG directed to finalise the working of the M&R Directorate and make it operational soon. In the meeting, Chief Engineer LDA Israr Saeed and Directors of Engineering and Director of TEPA and LDA were present.