SHANGLA: People have demanded early resumption of work on a bridge to restore road link between Martung and Chakesar tehsils of Shangla district.

Talking to reporters on Saturday, they said the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (Erra) had tendered the project in 2010 and the work on it was started towards the end of 2011. They said the project was scheduled to be completed in 17 months, but it was abandoned only after four months.

Shahenshah, a private school principal, said the people had to risk their lives on daily basis by crossing the river on foot or in vehicles.

He said whenever it rained majority of students could not go to schools due to fear of flooding in the river.

“We have to risk our lives while going to school as we have to cross the river daily,” said a student.

“We demand of the provincial government to order resumption of work on the bridge,” said another student.

Haider Ali, a social activist, said the people had to face mobility problems due to absence of bridge on the river.

Bakht Alam, a former nazim, told Dawn that despite repeated requests to the local administration, elected representatives and contractor, construction work on the bridge could not be restarted.

When contacted, Shangla District Nazim Niaz Amir Muqam said due to unavailability of funds work on the bridge was delayed.

“I had met Erra chairmen a week ago and he assured me that funds for incomplete projects in Shangla would be released soon,” he added.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2016