Work on delayed Walton Road project resumes

LAHORE - All controversies surrounding the Walton Road project couple of days back suddenly set aside, paving the way for prompt resumption of the much-delayed project on Wednesday.

The Walton Road project is the first on-going development work, which attracted the attention of CM Punjab Shahbaz Shairf who took serious notice over the delay in the completion of this particular project. The Chief Minister also took strong exception to delay in the completion of other projects as Multan Road, Shaukat Ali Road, Khurshid Alam Road, Jain Mandir Road and others.

The project costing Rs180million got struck after funds earmarked for the development of work could not be released due to one and another reason. Laying out network of drains was one solid reason for the suspension of work. The project was to be completed in September 2008.

The project was hit by another controversy when CM Punjab Shahbaz Shairf ordered immediate transfer of the TEPA chief engineer for not ensuring third-party audit of the project. He issued these ordered while addressing a high-level meeting held for reviewing the pace of implementation of various development projects including construction of Walton Road from Kenchi (Ferozepur Road) to Khayaban-e-Iqbal. He also ordered its completion by November 15 instead of November 30.