SHANGLA: A rickety suspension bridge over the Khan Khwar River at Kormang area here has become a potential deathtrap to the local people.

The bridge linking Kormang, Chichlo, Shatoot, Batgram and Sangrai villages with Besham town was built during the era of military ruler retired Gen Ziaul Haq.

The local people repair the bridge on self-help basis whenever any wooden plank used in its structure comes off or gets broken. During three times in the past, its plaque was changed by the respective governments to own the credit for its repair and reconstruction.

Due to misplaced and loose wooden planks, several vehicles have fallen into the river, claiming many precious lives, but the local administration failed to overhaul the bridge, complained Hamidur Rehman, a local elder. He said the bridge provided the only passageway to the villagers to commute between their hamlets and and Besham. The bridge also provided the route to the tourist destination of Kapar Banda.

Zeenat Muhammad, a resident of Batgram village, told Dawn the bridge had become dangerous for travel.

A local driver, Sultan, said the people got scary when they passed the bridge onboard the public transport. “We have raised the issue with the local administration and political leaders, but the situation remains the same,” he added.

When contacted, MPA Rashad Khan said that work on the bridge was stopped due to flashfloods. “We are trying to accelerate work on the bridge to resolve the mobility issue of the local people and provide them a safe passage to Besham,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 24th, 2016