Risky walk: Run-down bridge makes commute perilous for villagers

Schoolchildren often get injured by broken parts of structure

ABBOTABAD: Villagers have been exposed to countless threats as a suspension bridge in Gal Dhok village is in a dilapidated condition. However, the relevant authorities have failed to take an initiative to repair the structure.

Basit, a resident of Gal Dhok, told The Express Tribune the wooden planks of the bridge are coming apart at several places while the iron bars along the side of the structure are also broken.  “We have repeatedly requested the MPA of the area and the district administration to take action,” he said. “However, the bridge has not been repaired. Schoolchildren have been injured after their feet have been stuck in the gaps.”

Without options

According to Basit, there is a five kilometre uneven road that connects Gal Dhok village to Dhamtor.

“However, the route can only be used by jeeps,” he added.

Basit said these jeeps can cross the riverbed under the bridge, but those who cannot afford to travel in jeeps have no option but to use the bridge.

Imran Khan, a resident of Seriyan village, said since the bridge has been constructed, villagers have played a proactive role in having it repaired.

“They have either paid for repair work through their own pocket or with financial help from politicians,” he said. “We have requested the chief minister’s adviser, Mushtaq Ghani, who is also an MPA from PK-44 Abbottabad-I. However, the problem has yet to draw the attention of the MPA.”

Imran added, “If the MPA did not get the bridge repaired or make a cemented one, the villagers will be left with the option of protest.” Ajmal, a resident of Bagarmar village, flayed the provincial government for showing a lack of concern.

“We are treated like second-class citizens,” he said. “Although we vote and pay taxes, we have been deprived of basic facilities of infrastructure for over six decades.” Ajmal said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf promised to improve the living standard of people of the ignored areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

“If the government is unable to address our problems they should stop making tall claims,” he added.

Making money

A man from Peshawar has capitalised on the situation and started a chairlift service for villagers.

He charges Rs10 from each passenger who wants to use the chairlift to cross the river. The chairlift is believed to be dangerous and its legality has also raised questions. As a result, locals demand a permanent solution to their problem. The 100-yard-long and six-yard-wide bridge was built in the late 1970s with iron bars, stay wires and wood planks.

The two ends of the bridge have arch type entrances of carved stones. The structure facilitates over 40,000 residents, including schoolchildren and wage earners, from Gal Dhok, Chahanr, Seriyan, Bagarmar, Jaswal, Bokray and Sidrah villages. They usually cross Daur River to reach the city area via Dhamtor. Ghani was not available to comment on the matter despite repeated attempts to contact him. However, a member of the district council, Aurangzeb Khan, confirmed the report, saying he has taken up the matter with the district government and repair work on the bridge will start soon.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2016.