The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Sunday demanded the government to complete the Metro Bus project in time as delays have negatively affected business activities in the twin cities.
“All businesses in Islamabad have suffered, but Blue Area is worst hit. Many traders have gone bankrupt, while hundreds are on the verge of ending up the same way,” said Vice President FPCCI Mian Akram Farid.
Speaking to a twenty-five member delegation of traders from Blue Area, led by chairman Malik Saghir Ahmed, he said that the ill planned metro bus project construction created several challenges for the business community.
Chairman Metro Bus Project Committee Hanif Abbasi had assured the business community on various forums that the project would be completed two months ahead of the due date i.e. January 2015, this does not seem to be the case.
Main Akram Farid said that many roads in Islamabad are closed owing to the construction work on the project. This has resulted in transport issues, and a dire lack of customers. He said schools will reopen soon but due to the closure of main arteries in the city commuters will face severe inconvenience.
Speaking on the occasion Malik Saghir said that Blue Area is a busy business centre, however, right now it is deserted. The roads in Islamabad are deteriorating due to the frequent movement of heavy trucks, even on service roads.
He asked the Metro Bus Project management and CDA to look into these problems and take urgent measures to speed up the pace of work for completion of the project.