GHALANAI/KHAR, June 27: The government is trying to address the most urgent and basic needs of the conflict-hit communities of Mohmand Agency by initiating small scale development projects in the region.

This was stated by Mohmand Agency political agent Adil Siddiq while addressing different tribal jirgas during the inauguration of the two community health centres (CHCs) here at Ambar tehsil on Wednesday.

Mohmand Rifles commandant Colonel Mohammad Azeem was also present on the occasion.

The political agent said work on several health, water and education schemes had begun.

He said construction of Danish Kool and Daro CHCs had been completed, while work on six such facilities in the agency was
underway.

Mr Siddiq said development happened in years but miscreants destroyed it in minutes and therefore, tribesmen should protect government facilities in their respective areas for their benefit.

He said it was the top priority of the government to provide all basic facilities to the people of far-flung areas.

The political agent said the administration had planned to upgrade some schools and open vocational centres in the area.

Colonel Azeem appreciated the sacrifices rendered by the security force, tribesmen and members of peace committees for restoration of peace in the area.

He assured tribesmen that more developmental work would be done in the area.

In Khar, Bajaur Agency political agent Abdul Jabar Shah on Tuesday said the administration was taking keen interest in the provision of basic health facilities to the tribesmen living in the militancy-affected areas.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the newly-reconstructed health centre in Malangi area of Mamond tehsil, he said provision of basic health services was the responsibility of the government. He said all damaged healthcare facilities would be reconstructed and rehabilitated soon.

Tribal elders, leaders and members of peace committees and health officials attended the ceremony.

Mr Abdul Jabar said like other infrastructure, the health sector was also badly affected by militant activities. He said majority of health centres in different areas of the region had been destroyed.

The political agent said destruction of health facilities showed that militants were the big enemies of common people because health and education centres had been established for the people.

He said rehabilitation of damaged health centres and schools would begin next month.

“The administration is interested in reconstructing health and education facilities in the militancy-hit areas because the people of these areas are facing problems due to lack of basic facilities,” he said.