August 31, 2008	Sunday	Sha'aban 28, 1429

KARAK, Aug 30: The entire road network in the district is in dilapidated condition for the last many years but the authorities have not paid any heed to this grave situation.

The Karak-Shakardara road is under construction for the last three years multiplying miseries of the dwellers of Chountra. The dust caused by digging and plying of vehicles is a health hazard for the motorists and pedestrians.

If completed, the road linking Karak with Punjab via Shakardara, would usher in an era of prosperity and development, locals said. They added the stipulated period for completion of the road had already been expired.

The contractor, sources said, was a nazim and political rival of provincial minister Mian Nisar Gul. So, he wanted to discredit the minister by adopting delaying tactics.

The residents said that the construction work had been stopped halfway due to unknown reasons.

Members of Jundri union council Mohammad Younas and Malik Ali Jan said that the contractor was testing the patience of the inhabitants by stopping work on the road.

They demanded of the provincial government and the high ups of the concerned department to complete the road construction forthwith and also penalise the contractor for not completing the project within the stipulated time.