A view of the bridge in Khanpur. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The middle section of a bridge, built on Dalis Canal Branch that collapsed nine months ago, could not be reconstructed due to the apathy of the government and district administration, Express News has learnt. Local residents have demanded the authorities to carry out necessary repairs to avoid any untoward incident.
A visit to the site by Express News revealed that the bridge, which was constructed in 1995 in Rukanpur area, collapsed some nine months ago.
The bridge connects several villages, including Bararan, Dashti, Sanghi, Chachar, Syedan, Basti Arain, Basti Hafiz and others. It is the only source for hundreds of villagers to reach the city centre and surrounding areas.
However, after the collapse of the middle part, the people made a temporary path on self-help basis for travelling by keeping wooden logs on it. But the makeshift path has created problems for the local people as it results in accidents and mishaps.
The matter of concern is that the remaining portion of the bridge is also in a dilapidated condition and could collapse any time.
Residents revealed that the area falls in the constituency of two ministers, including Federal Minister Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar and Punjab Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht. They said despite highlighting the matter, none of the lawmakers paid heed to the issue.
Shahid Hussain, a resident of a nearby village, told Express News, “People are compelled to reach other areas by travelling an additional distance of five to six kilometers due to the collapse of the middle section of the bridge.” He added, “We are facing hardship in transporting fodder for cattle and other things.”
Abid Masood, who studies at a private institution in Rukanpur said, “The situation has created problems for several students who come to the city from adjoining areas to study at schools and colleges.”
He maintained that the officials concerned should take immediate measures to repair the bridge or else it could result in loss of human lives.
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