Financial crunch delays Zero Point loop construction

* Delay in payment of Rs 200m to construction firm affecting pace of work

ISLAMABAD: Owing to the financial crunch faced by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the under-construction loop of the Zero Point Interchange could not be completed so far, and the contractor has halted construction work.

Sources said that a delay in the payment of Rs 200 million to the construction firm under the head of pending bills had affected the pace of work.

Motorists have been facing problems due to the delay in the construction of the loop, which links Faisal Avenue to the Kashmir Highway. On the other hand, CDA sources claimed that the construction work was almost complete, adding that it would be open for traffic within a month.

A visit to the site shows that it is yet to be blacktopped, while other pavement work is still to be carried out. The construction firm is constantly demanding the payment of pending bills, but the CDA – on the pretext of facing financial crisis – is not clearing the dues, which has resulted in the delay of its completion, sources said.

Meanwhile, several other important roads, including the IJ Principal Road from Faizabad to Church, are in poor condition and have developed huge potholes.