SHEIKHUPURA, Sept 7: A large number of commuters and residents of Machike, Farooqabad, Khanka Dogran and other localities on the Lahore-Sargodha Road have demanded repair of the dilapidated road.

According to a survey, the people concerned said the road was unmotorable near Machike, Farooqabad and Khanka Dogran. They alleged that corruption was rampant in the local highway department, and the annual funds were not utilized properly.

Besides, they added, dacoities had become routine on the road between Farooqabad and Khanka Dogran.

A retired official of the highway department, Abdul Samad, told this reporter that an amount of Rs6 million was earmarked for the repair of Lahore-Sargodha Road annually, but not a single penny was spent on the road.

The commuters and residents interviewed by this reporter demanded strict action against the “incompetent” officials of highway department who, they said, should be issued show-cause notices for failing to get the road repaired.

The victims also urged the Sheikhupura DPO to ensure regular patrol duties and make the journey between Farooqabad and Khanka Dogran safe.