‘Sleepless nights’ for Nullah Leh dwellers

RAWALPINDI: Work on Nullah Leh Expressway project has still not been approved by city and provincial governments, despite serious concerns about flooding in the monsoon season.

The project involves construction of roads on both banks of Nullah Leh.

Citizens said despite numerous surveys and reports, authorities had not devised an appropriate strategy to deal with potential floods.

Wasim Saleem, a university student, said, “It is unfortunate that despite their tall claims, our leaders are not clear about how relief can be provided to slum dwellers who will be affected by monsoon floods.”

Earlier, the provincial government had announced that it would go ahead with the Leh Expressway Project, but it was unclear when work would start, said Tauqeer Zahid, who was affected by previous floods.

Many residents of low-lying areas spend “sleepless nights” because of the fear of floods, said Zafar Ali, a former Union Council Nazim.

“Each time, the government has played the role of spectator, while chanting hollow slogans about providing relief to the masses,” he added.

Shoaib Khan Afridi, a resident of Dhoke Hussu, said, “My family cannot afford to suffer anymore losses as my house was completely damaged during the previous flood.”

Another resident living in Gwalmandi near Nullah Leh, Saqib Shah, said,”Government officials only talk about the damage caused by the rains.” He added sarcastically, “We’re thankful to them for their precious information.”

Shehr Yar Riaz, a PML-N provincial assembly member from Rawalpindi, when contacted, said this was a serious issue and the provincial government would certainly would play its role in eliminating the miseries of people living near Nullah Leh.

Malik Abrar, a national assembly member of the same party, said Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif will visit Rawalpindi soon and announce a comprehensive plan for Nullah Leh.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2010.