Written By Dr Atta Ul Wadood
Yesterday I wrote an article about condition of Lahore that how it is living hell to travel around the city then it came into my mind that who has the authority to design the city so today I will tell you about the incompetence of LDA.
Brief introduction of LDA:
Lahore Development Authority (LDA) is responsible for the development and management of Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city.
However, despite its mandate to provide citizens with better living conditions, the authority has been plagued by incompetence, corruption, and mismanagement.
One of the most visible signs of LDA’s incompetence is the state of Lahore’s roads.
The city’s roads are poorly designed, badly maintained, and congested, causing traffic jams and accidents.
LDA’s failure to construct proper roads and infrastructure has resulted in the residents suffering from poor transport facilities, pollution, and time-consuming commutes.
Moreover, the authority has failed to address the problem of illegal construction and encroachments, leading to chaos and poor living conditions.
Situation of Slum Around Lahore:
The city’s slums are overcrowded and lack basic facilities, and people are forced to live in substandard housing due to the lack of affordable housing and the government’s failure to provide basic amenities.
The LDA has failed to provide a safe and secure environment for its residents, with many areas lacking proper street lighting, security cameras, and patrolling.
Corruption in LDA:
Another significant issue with LDA is its corruption and inefficiency.
The authority has been accused of nepotism and cronyism in the allocation of development projects, and it has failed to complete projects on time and within budget.
For instance, the construction of the Orange Line Metro Train project, which was meant to alleviate the city’s traffic congestion, has been mired in delays, mismanagement, and corruption allegations.
The project, which was supposed to be completed in 2017, has been delayed several times and has seen its costs increase to almost double the initial estimates.
Additionally, LDA’s planning has been shortsighted and has failed to consider the city’s long-term development needs.
The authority has allowed the construction of high-rise buildings without proper zoning and infrastructure planning, leading to an increase in urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and pollution.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Lahore Development Authority’s incompetence, corruption, and mismanagement have contributed significantly to the poor living conditions and inadequate infrastructure in Lahore.
The authority must address these issues by implementing transparent policies, promoting accountability and providing better living conditions to the city’s residents.
The LDA should prioritize the provision of basic amenities, such as clean water, electricity, and affordable housing, and focus on sustainable development to ensure a better future for Lahore’s citizens.
