Metro53 - Gujrat (Mirza Amir Baig) Dawn News — A sewerage drain under construction at a cost of Rs. 130 million on Shahbazpur Road, Jalalpur Jattan, collapsed during the first rainfall, sparking strong public protests in the area.
The project was approved under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s SGDs program on the recommendation of MPA Chaudhry Abdullah Yousaf. The contract was awarded by the Punjab Communication and Works Department to M/s Chaudhry Riyasat Ali Cheema, with supervision assigned to M/s AZ Engineering Associates.
Eyewitnesses and local residents reported that complaints were made during construction regarding substandard material and poor workmanship, but no official visited the site or took notice. Large holes are visible in the concrete walls of the drain, from which water is continuously leaking, raising fears of further collapse.
Surprisingly, Rs. 80 million has already been paid to the contractor, while the drain has become dysfunctional even before completion. Locals have demanded immediate action from the Chief Minister of Punjab and strict accountability of those responsible.
Residents of Mehmoodabad and surrounding areas expressed deep frustration over the negligence of concerned departments and stated that despite repeated warnings, no official, engineer, or Deputy Commissioner Noorul Ain visited the site.
