SHANGLA: The Kundshi bridge on the Indus, which links the four union councils of Battagram and Kohistan districts, has been awaiting reconstruction since its destruction by the 2010 flash floods.

In the absence of the bridge, the local residents use a makeshift chairlift to cross the river risking their lives.

They said work on the bridge had been progressing at a snail’s pace since its start in 2012.

Built during the times of former governor Fazle Haq, the bridge connects Besham city with Batera, Dara Madi Khel, Sakar Gah and Jambera Kund union councils of Kohistan and Battagram districts.

The population of these areas is above 10 million.

Former nazim of Batera union council Haji Amin told Dawn that the local residents had suffered badly due to the slow pace of work on the bridge.

He said the area had cut off from the rest of the country for six years and that the people faced a lot of hardship in shifting patients to hospitals.

“Using the chairlift is much risky. Women and children are hesitant to ride it,” he said.

Mr. Amin said he and other local elders had repeatedly asked the relevant officials to ensure speedy reconstruction of the bridge, but to no avail.

Another local resident, Muslim Khan, said the people crossed the river by chairlift to buy goods in Bisham Bazaar and other parts of the country though they feared deadly incidents.

He said the chairlift, which was operated privately, had no doors for the safety of its users.

Operator of the chairlift Ali Akbar said he made over 400 trips daily and thus, making a handsome amount for his employer.

He however said it was unfortunate that the owner of the chairlift didn’t ensure the safety of the passengers.

A representative of the relevant construction company said a lack of funds was delaying the completion of work on the bridge.

Local MPA Shah Hussain Khan said if work on the bridge continued at slow pace, it might not be completed in the next three years to the misery of the local residents.

He warned the people would agitate if the construction company didn’t expedite the bridge’s reconstruction.

The lawmaker said he would raise the matter on the floor of the house to attract the attention of the relevant authorities for necessary action.

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2016