LAHORE, June 25: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) is scheduled to demolish the three top floors of the LDA plaza on Egerton Road this week and necessary preparatory work has been completed.

The fire erupted at the plaza on May 9 damaging its floors seven to nine completely and five and six partially leaving 24 people dead and several others injured.

Officials say that a private firm has been awarded the demolition contract worth Rs105 million. “LDA’s urban development wing will monitor the demolition as the necessary preparatory work related to wooden slabs fixing/padding work is underway at the moment,” an official told Dawn. He said according to contract the firm was liable to demolish the floors meticulously in 60 days without damaging other floors and the adjacent buildings.

Another official said engineering experts had found the top five floors of the building damaged completely or partially while the foundation of the building was safe. The experts are from the LDA, TEPA, University of Engineering and Technology and some independent consultants. The LDA offices have been shifted to LDA’s Johar Town complex.

ANNOUNCEMENT: District Coordination Officer (DCO) Nasim Sadiq on Tuesday announced cash prizes on monthly basis for those bus drivers, conductors and helpers who would perform good driving and show friendly behaviour to passengers.

In a visit to Badami Bagh General Bus Stand, he said the best driver would be given Rs20,000, conductor Rs15,000 and helper Rs10,000. He also directed the bus terminal administration to form a committee that would evaluate those picked for prizes.

“A committee should also be formed to check cleanliness and other arrangements at the terminal and buses every day,” he said. He directed the officials to construct a rest room for drivers, conductors and helpers.