Federal Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Nouraiz Shakoor Khan while taking strong notice of collapse of a potion of Northern Bypass bridge has asked for a thorough investigation into the decay of the bridge that was opened just 25 day back.
Presiding over the board of directors' meeting of Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) he urged that the quality of the materials used in the construction of the collapsed bridge including cement and steel be examined and tested at laboratory.
He said that the design aspect had key role to lay the foundation for a construction but without use of standardised materials the failure of a good design was inevitable.
He said although investigation would reveal all the aspects of design but the aspects of determination of use of standardised materials was vital for fair conclusion.
He recalled that the collapse of the building in Islamabad (Margallah Tower) in recent past was caused by substandard construction materiel that were not certified by PSQCA. "This bridge may have collapse due to non-compliance of quality and required standard used in construction of the building," he apprehended.
Minister for Science and Technology revealed that following the bridge collapse he was receiving various complains regarding the quality of construction of buildings all over the country
Minister underlined the need for standardisation of manufacturing merchandise in the country, which has direct bearing on the safety and health of the people, so that the protection of consumer be ensured.
Nouraiz Shakoor further said that due to the globalisation there would be no exception or compromise on quality if we have to increase the share in world market and bid taking opportunities in the economy of world trading system. He emphasised on the need to all products manufactured domestically or imported should be compatible with the standards notified by PSQCA.