Poor Quality Material Allegedly Used in Rs70 Million Narowal Model Bazaar Project; Tiles Crack Before Completion, Citizens Demand Inquiry

NAROWAL: Allegations of the use of substandard construction material have emerged in the Rs70 million Narowal Model Bazaar project being developed under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Punjab Beautification Project.” The project has missed its completion deadline, while several floor tiles installed at the site have reportedly cracked and broken even before its formal inauguration, raising concerns over construction quality.

The project was initiated under the supervision of the district administration to develop an approximately 800-metre-long model bazaar along the city’s main entrance road, stretching from Zafarwal Bypass to the main gate of Government Girls Graduate College Narowal. The project was approved by the District Development Committee (DDC) under the Annual Development Programme 2025-26 and was financed by the Municipal Committee Narowal.

Construction work on the project commenced on October 10, 2025, with a scheduled completion date of June 30, 2026. However, despite the passage of the deadline, only around 70 percent of the work has reportedly been completed, causing delays in the project’s completion.

During the construction phase, the main road remained closed to all types of traffic, causing significant inconvenience to residents, traders, and commuters. Later, the district administration allowed only motorcycles to pass through during daytime hours, but business activities and public movement continue to face difficulties.

Local traders and residents claim that several tiles installed at the model bazaar site have already started breaking before completion of the project. Videos showing damaged tiles have also circulated on social media, prompting questions about the quality of construction work.

Citizens said that after the videos surfaced, the contractor started repairing and replacing the damaged tiles. However, they added that the need for early repairs has further increased concerns regarding the alleged use of poor-quality material.

Local residents, including Asif and Salman Ahmed, along with several others, have demanded a transparent inquiry into the alleged use of substandard construction material in the Rs70 million project. They called for strict action against those found responsible for any irregularities.

Traders and residents have urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to take immediate notice of the project delays and quality concerns, ensure early completion of the remaining work, and guarantee the effective use of public funds.