LAHORE:Residents and business community of adjoining localities of Sadar Bazaar were facing severe difficulties due to the prolonged drainage construction project starting from Dharampura Railway Crossing till Sadar Roundabout.
The main road was excavated for the last many weeks, making it extremely difficult for patients and emergency vehicles to reach nearby hospitals.Local shopkeepers also reported that their businesses have almost come to a standstill because customers can’t access the area due to road blockages on both sides.
A family physician Capt (retd) Dr Arshad Humayun expressed concern that the slow pace of work and absence of contractors at the site was causing serious inconvenience to the public. Besides inconvenience, persistent dust has aggravated people suffering from asthma and dust allergy.
He appealed to the authorities concerned, including Wasa and district administration, to expedite the construction work, restore at least partial vehicle access for citizens and provide a clear timeline for completion of the project in the interest of public health and local businesses.
Citizens also complained that sewage water was mixing up with drinking water lines and causing liver and gastrointestinal diseases.Additionally, stagnant water at the site has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria, dengue, and other vector-borne diseases.
Citizens appealed to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to look into the matter as soon as possible to prevent a potential public health emergency in this densely populated locality. No officials of Wasa and Cantonment Board were available for comments when contacted.
