Taking stock: Swat residents to build roads on self-help basis

MINGORA:

Residents of Swat launched a campaign on Wednesday to collect money on a self-help basis to repair and reconstruct roads that were damaged due to floods earlier this year.

They displayed banners and placards on the roads and demanded donations from the people who frequently use Kalam Road and other thoroughfares. Locals also held a protest to have their voices heard. Youth council member Nasirullah told The Express Tribune the government has ignored their needs for over a month.

“Reconstruction work has yet to start on the road,” he said. “Around 40,000 people who live near the road are facing problems in commuting.”

Protesters said the National Highway Authority (NHA) and communication and works (C&W) department refused to offer assistance as the roads do not fall within their jurisdiction. However, Bahrain tehsil nazim Habibullah told The Express Tribune these roads fall within the jurisdiction of NHA and C&W.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2016.