SHANGLA: The residents of Faiz Dara area of Damorai have demanded of the authorities to reconstruct a suspension bridge on Kana River, which was washed away by flash floods in 2010.

Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, they said due to absence of the bridge they were forced to cross the river on foot. The locals said they had appealed to the elected representatives to reconstruct the bridge connecting Faiz Dara with rest of Shangla, but the requests fell on deaf ears.

Sanaullah, a local resident, said: “We feel scared while walking in deep water of the river. When it rains it is impossible to cross the river.”

He said around 150 students, both girls and boys, had to walk across the river daily to reach their schools due to absence of a suspension bridge.

Usman Ali Usman, another local, urged the local MPA and MNA to order rebuilding of the bridge to give some relief to the residents. He claimed the area had been neglected by the elected representatives.

FLOUR SALE POINTS SET UP: The district administration has set up subsidised flour sale points across Shangla in order to discourage the artificial price hike in the market.

A statement issued by deputy commissioner Imran Hussain Ranjha said several points had been set up for sale of flour at subsidised rates after complaints were received about flour price hike in the markets.

The notification said the sale points had been established in Alpuri and its adjoining areas.

The administration also asked the flour millers to ensure supply of commodity to the points.

The notification said 20kg flour bag was available at Rs800.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2019