Negligent Road Construction Risks Major National Treasury Loss
Soon Times Correspondent
Khushab
After a long period of neglect, the construction of much-deteriorated Khushab Katha Road has finally commenced. Unfortunately, however, the patience of those traveling on this road has also been squandered. The Executive Engineer of the Khushab Highway Division, in collusion with local authorities, overlooked this critical issue while initiating construction on a road that traverses saline and water-logged areas, resulting in the establishment of a substandard roadway. This road, burdened by heavy traffic, is unlikely to withstand even a few months of use, posing a risk of significant financial loss to the national treasury. According to sources from Daily Soon Times, approval was granted to widen the road by two feet on both sides, yet construction is being carried out on the existing roadway. As an inter-provincial road and a vital link to the motorway, the Khushab Katha Road bears a heavy traffic load. Nevertheless, the Highway Department continues to ignore ground realities, engaging in the construction of a non-standard road. The Punjab NAB, Anti-Corruption Department, and the Chief Minister of Punjab should examine the records of disbursed funds and initiate an investigation against the Executive Engineer of the Khushab Highway Division for the use of substandard materials. Additionally, a re-survey should be conducted, and orders should be issued to construct the road according to quality standards.
