CHITRAL: The construction of a suspension bridge has connected four remote villages in Sheshi Koh valley with the road for the first time.

The bridge was inaugurated after its completion by Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) with the financial assistance of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund.

The residents of Lauw and Lanjar thronged the venue of inauguration ceremony in a large number. The villagers used to remain stranded during the three months of summer season when the river was in high flood.

The chief executive officer of PPAF, Qazi Azmat Isa, inaugurated the bridge by unveiling the inauguration plaque and cutting the ribbon. He was accompanied by CEO of SRSP Shahzada Masoodul Mulk.

Speaking on the occasion, Qazi Isa urged the villagers to ensure community participation in their development activities and maintain the spirit of democracy within their organisation.

“Chaos and confusion will reign supreme in the society when a segment of it is marginalised and development works are delayed or affected in the absence of active participation of community,” he said.

Shahzada Masoodul Mulk thanked the PPAF chief for visiting the remote valley of Sheshi Koh and examining the backwardness of the area.

The residents of the villages including member of district council from Sheshi Koh Sher Mohammad Khan and former union nazim Sohrab Khan said that it was a momentous day for the villagers.

They said that with the facilities of road and bridge, the villagers would not only be able to have a contact with the rest of the valley but they would use modern machinery of farming to increase their income with higher yield.

Published in Dawn October 20th, 2016