KOHAT: Tenders have been issued for development schemes worth Rs33.5 million in PK-81 amid criticism by social and political circles for ignoring several projects which had hit snags in PK-81 and PK-82 since 2008.

The funds have been approved by state minister Shehryar Afridi for water supply, pavement of streets, a Janazagah and drainage schemes.

Commenting on this, Jamaat-i-Islami district chief Abid Khan told this correspondent that when Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf was in opposition it was against infrastructure projects like constructing drains and streets, but now its leaders were opting to start similar projects. He demanded that the old schemes should be completed before starting the new ones.

MPA Shahdad Khan of PK-81 said that oil and gas had been supplied to Punjab after discovery in 2003, but discriminatory attitude with the local population was still continuing. He said if the Rs10 billion outstanding royalty was released most of the major projects in the area could be completed.

The provincial government with the home secretary as guarantor had promised to release the royalty four months ago, but it could not materialise.

Mr Shahdad regretted that the Rs40 million water supply scheme for three union councils of Shakardarra in PK-81 had been started 15 years ago for pumping water from the Indus River, but despite extra funding it could not be made functional due to low voltage to operate the pumps.

He said a road was constructed between Rehmanabad and Bata Kandao which had been washed away by rains. There was a need for a new carpeted road for oil- and gas-rich Shakardarra.

An elder Malik Daud Khan of PTI said SNGPL had promised to provide gas to Darmalak and Jarma following a four-day sit-in, but no work could be launched there after passage of one month.

Former district naib nazim Sardar Khan and councillor Said Munir of Darmalk said discoveries were being made constantly in Darmalak, but no new road had been constructed in the area.

Shaukat Shah and Farhan Bangash lamented that a bridge in Sumari was awaiting completion for several years. Half of the bridge had been inaugurated by the minister six years ago. Similarly, a bridge was required between the graveyard and Merozi village over the stream.

A social worker Basit Gilani said a gas pipeline passed a few metres away from old Jarma, but the area was not being provided the facility.

Malik Abid Khan demanded construction of Dhodha road for which people had come out on roads several times.

Tahir Bangash said the residents of Miangan Colony were still without gas and electricity.

The Fauji Foundation Colony in PK-81 is also still without gas facility.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2020