Severe losses amounting to millions of rupees due to torrential rains, traders in the Modern Market and areas affected by the flyover face significant difficulties.

Gujar Khan (Sanober Kiani) – The delayed start of the mega project work, including the flyover, and the initiation of construction activities shortly before the onset of the rainy season have led to extraordinary difficulties for residents and traders. During the torrential rains, the drainage system was severely impacted, resulting in water accumulation in the Modern Market and areas under the flyover. Many shops and basements were flooded with several feet of water, causing traders to face losses amounting to millions of rupees.

Traders have stated that they were already struggling due to poor business conditions and job scarcity, and the excavation for the flyover construction and the resulting obstructions in the drainage system have exacerbated their situation. The failure to properly level the soil and debris removed during construction, along with blockages in the natural and constructed water pathways, caused rainwater to accumulate on roads and in markets, leading to a flood-like situation.

According to sources, in some areas, water entered basements up to several feet, severely damaging valuable goods, merchandise, furniture, and other items in the shops. Traders have expressed that if alternative drainage arrangements had been made in a timely manner and the water pathways had been kept clear during construction, the situation would not have been so dire.

Residents and traders have demanded that relevant authorities take emergency measures to maintain the drainage system during the construction of the flyover and mega project, promptly remove the soil and debris from the excavation, establish a permanent drainage solution for the affected areas, and implement effective strategies to prevent further losses to traders and residents during the rains.

Traders have called for an immediate survey of the damages caused by the recent rains and for appropriate compensation or relief to be provided to the affected shopkeepers, as the mega project was initiated for the convenience of citizens and should not become a burden for the public and traders.