Pakistan- Upper Dir villagers decry delay in completion of work on bridge on Panjkora River

UPPER DIR: The construction of a bridge in the remote Patrak area of Upper Dir on Panjkora River, which was washed away in a flood in 2010, could not be completed so far, due to which the area people are facing difficulties.

The area people said the previous government had approved Rs50 million for construction of the bridge. They said after approval of the tender, the contractor initiated work on the bridge, but it could not be completed due to which they are facing many difficulties in traveling from one place to other.

People of the area said most of the construction work on the bridge has been completed, but the government is not paying attention to the issue to complete the remaining work. They said Patrak has a population of about 10,000 and people have also built a makeshift bridge on the river, but it is not enough to end their problems. They said people drive their vehicles across the river as the water level is low, but what they will do after water level will increase with raising temperature in the coming days.

Jehan Alam, a schoolteacher, told TNN that the students and patients are mostly disturbed due to lack of bridge. He said the area people will be compelled to block the Dir-Peshawar Highway if work on the bridge was not completed.

Tehsil councillor from the area, Gul Ibrahim said he has informed the Construction and Works Department officials and provincial government about the problem. He called upon the government to complete work on the project without further delay.

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