Road to nowhere: Potholed streets and traffic jams irk residents of Gilgit

All major roads in the capital city have been damaged from excessive use and heavy rainfall.

GILGIT:

The deteriorating condition of roads in Gilgit speaks volumes for the rulers’ commitment to issues affecting the welfare of city residents. All roads in the capital city have been damaged from overflowing streams and heavy rainfall, which cause long traffic jams during rush hours. Apart from that, speed-breakers installed on these roads are not shaped properly, which often causes damage to cars going over them.

Airport Road, which passes through Gilgit, has been badly damaged due to heavy rainfall and excessive use. Apart from that, people often park on the road, which disturbs the flow of traffic. “If this is the condition of roads in the capital city, I wonder about roads in other parts of the province,” said Qayyum Khan, a resident of Gilgit.

Similarly several other roads, including Riaz Road, Shaheed Millat Road, Amphery Road, River View Road and Jutial Road are in a critical condition. Apart from that, the deteriorating road linking Public Chowk and the bus terminal seriously irks Gilgit residents. Allegations are rife that the contractor assigned with widening the road has fled town with the complicity of Public Works Department (PWD) officials. However, the Supreme Court has taken suo moto action against PWD officials.

Also, the increasing number of vegetable shops and push-carts on both sides of the road has resulted in traffic congestion, which is seriously disturbing the citizens. In addition to that, a large number of metal roads have been broken to lay water pipelines into residential areas, and these have not been repaired.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Mehdi Shah said that the maintenance and reconstruction of roads and beautification of the city was the top priority of his government and a major portion of the budget had been allocated for this purpose. He assured that all damaged roads would be reconstructed during the current year.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2011.