Peshawar roads dug up again

The streets and neighborhoods of Peshawar have once again become scenes of repeated digging and construction, as newly built roads are being torn apart for the installation of gas pipelines and telephone cables.

Only weeks ago, city residents had witnessed the completion of various road and street projects, but their relief was short-lived. Hardly had the dust settled when different utility departments began breaking the same roads for their own development works. Officials say the reason is that their departments have only recently been provided with funds to lay pipelines and underground cables, which are now being installed across the provincial capital.

This cycle of "build, break, and rebuild" has long been a familiar sight for Peshawar residents, who find themselves caught in repeated waves of inconvenience. Citizens complain that whenever new roads or streets are constructed, access becomes difficult during the process. Yet, even before the public gets to benefit from the completed work, another department steps in with fresh funds to start new projects, leaving behind broken roads, debris, and traffic congestion.

The situation has sparked growing public criticism, with many questioning whether such projects are truly planned in the public interest.

Residents argue that if proper coordination existed among various government departments, infrastructure would not need to be destroyed repeatedly, causing financial waste and unnecessary hardship for the public.

Frustrated citizens have now called on the provincial government to intervene and establish long-term planning. "At least let one development project stay intact for a year or two so people can feel the benefit of it," demanded local residents, pointing out that without proper planning, roads and streets in Peshawar never seem to remain usable for long.

The public appeal underscores a broader concern: unless government departments coordinate their efforts and implement proper sequencing of projects.