Non completion of an iconic Bridge adds to peoples' woes in Muzaffarabad

The completion of an iconic bridge in the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) may witness further delay, much to the exasperation of the people here, thanks to the non-clearance of contractor’s liabilities by the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Erra).

Construction work on the state of the art cable stayed ‘Earthquake Memorial Bridge’ which according to the latest deadline was to finish by December 31, 2013 has recently been suspended by the contractor – Ghulam Rasool and Company (GRC) - allegedly because Erra owed it more than Rs 200 million as “work done liabilities,” it has been learnt.

 “Its not possible for any company to continue work when its liabilities of such volume are not cleared in time. So far we did not suspend work to save the reputation of our company but now it’s beyond our control,” said a representative of the construction company, while pleading anonymity.

However, officials associated with the project say its not only the clearance of the work done liabilities, but assurance of the provision of remaining funds for the completion of the project was also remains a greater concern for them. 

Designed by the Japanese organisations - Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) and Nippon Koei - the bridge will ease the ever rising and irritating traffic congestions here by connecting Naluchi and Chattar neighbourhoods on the right and left banks of River Jhelum, respectively, and its why the people are much solicitous about its completion.

According to officials, the earthquake resistant bridge, which is around 84 metres above the river level and hence also invulnerable to floods, comprises three portions.

The western portion (towards Naluchi) and eastern portion (towards Chattar) measure around 168 and 60 metres, respectively, whereas the extra-dosed middle portion measures 246 metres. The width of the bridge, including walkways on both sides, is 15 metres.

The bridge and 452 metre long approach roads on both sides are part of Rs 1.382 billion package-I allotted to GRC whereas Rs 451 million package-II, comprising 4-kilometre long Western Bypass, has been allotted to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO). The bypass begins from Naluchi side of bridge and joins the Neelum valley road near Chehla Bandi.

The whole project, after hitting many snags, had started in May 2009 and was estimated to be completed in 33 months in January 2012. However, it met delays due to three main issues, including the cash flow, acquisition of land and the massive February 2010 flood from Zalzal Lake.

According to officials, the cash flow issue had been at its worst in 2012-13 and the ongoing 2013-14, thus badly affecting the progress.

“Had the funds been made available in time according to the requirements, the bridge could have been made operational much before the 8^th anniversary of the earthquake on October 8, 2013,” one official confided this scribe.

So far almost 90 per cent work has been completed but work on the final closing segment - adjoining the middle portion with western and eastern positions – has been held up due to cash flow issue.

After the connection of all three portions, apparently unseen allied works, such as electrification of bridge, readjustment of external cables, construction of stairs and laying of asphalt, would consume some time.

However, the officials were uncertain as to when the bridge would be inaugurated for traffic, saying it could take at least four months after clearance of outstanding payments and assurance of instant provision of remaining funds.

Meanwhile, irked by the sluggishness of construction work, Markazi Anjuman e Tajran, an important body of local traders, has announced to stage a sit-in on the eastern side of bridge on Tuesday, when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visits the town to preside over the budget session of the AJK Council.

“Due to the non completion of this bridge, the town is experiencing worst traffic jams and resultantly patients, students are suffering in particular…But Erra and other authorities seem to be heedless of it,” said association’s president Shaukat Nawaz Mir.

"We will draw attention of Prime Minister Sharif towards our plight due to non completion of this pivotal project through a peaceful protest," he declared.