The ongoing construction of the Babarlo Bridge creates daily obstacles for thousands of commuters and residents living in the surrounding areas. Though the project is likely to promote better connectivity in the future, the current position of affairs has raised serious concerns about the traffic, safety, and public health.
Heavy traffic congestion is still a major problem; even small distances take over an hour to cross due to narrowed passageways and continuous traffic of construction machinery. Residents said that the long queues often delay emergency patients and ambulances, putting their lives in danger.
The accidents happening within this construction zone are also increasing. Improper lighting, unclear diversions, and uneven roads make the area accident-prone, particularly for the motorcyclists. According to the claims of many commuters, proper safety barricades and warning signs are not present.
Construction has also made for severe pollution: dust and debris everywhere in the neighborhood have hurt residents’ health and damaged businesses. Shopkeepers complain that people avoid the area due to dust and traffic.
Locals also criticize the lack of planning. They point to inadequate traffic management, no alternative routes, poor communication from authorities, and a slow pace of work that stretched the inconvenience far longer than expected.
The residents are asking the concerned officials to immediately take necessary steps for traffic control, improve safety measures, minimize dust pollution, and expedite construction. Though the bridge project was welcomed by the community, they insist development should not be at the cost of public safety and well-being.
Abdul Manan
Sukkur IBA University