LAHORE: A newly constructed road in Johar Town has developed another sinkhole, prompting concerns among residents about the quality of recent road and drainage work in the area.
The latest incident occurred while a heavy trailer was passing along the road. Part of the vehicle became trapped after the road surface gave way, highlighting safety concerns for motorists using the route.
Road Had Previously Developed Craters
The affected road was completed recently, while the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has also carried out major drainage-related work in the surrounding area.
Residents said the same road had previously developed cave-ins at different points, with sudden openings reportedly creating hazards for motorists and contributing to accidents.
The repeated damage has raised questions about the durability of the road, construction standards, and the quality of materials used during the project. However, the exact technical cause of the latest sinkhole has not yet been established.
Residents Seek Investigation
Several residents have called for a detailed investigation into the road’s construction and drainage infrastructure. They have also urged authorities to examine whether contractors and officials responsible for supervising the work followed the required construction and quality-control standards.
Concerns have also been raised about accountability in cases involving engineering or construction defects. According to LDA sources cited in local reporting, the authority has previously taken action against officials over complaints involving illegal construction, while similar disciplinary action in engineering-related cases has been less evident.
LDA Orders Inquiry
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has acknowledged the incident and said an inquiry will be conducted.
An LDA spokesperson stated that the authority would examine the matter and take action according to the law based on the findings.
The investigation is expected to help determine whether the sinkhole resulted from road construction, underlying drainage infrastructure, soil conditions, utility works, or another technical issue.
Until the cause is established, responsibility for the failure cannot be conclusively assigned to the contractor or any specific department.
Road Safety Remains a Concern
The latest incident has renewed attention on the condition of recently developed roads in Johar Town. For residents and commuters, the immediate concern is ensuring that damaged sections are properly secured and repaired before they create further risks.
The outcome of the LDA inquiry will be important in determining the technical cause of the failure and whether any contractor, supervising officials, or other parties need to face corrective or legal action.
