MANSEHRA: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved Rs560 million for the construction of two major bridges in Balakot tehsil and gas supply to Shinkiari and Dodial areas in Mansehra district, said parliamentary secretary for water resources Salah Mohammad Khan on Saturday.

“Work on these three projects will begin soon as the tendering is in final phase,” he told told reporters here on Saturday.

Mr Salah said Rs250 million had been sanctioned for the supply of natural gas to Shinkiari and Dodial areas.

He said two concrete bridges would be built on the Kunhar River at the cost of Rs310 million to link hundreds of villages with Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road.

Parliamentary secy promises to ensure timely completion of schemes

The parliamentary secretary said half of Balakot’s population risked their life to reach the MNJ Road by using the two dilapidated suspension bridges, which had broken planks.

He said such schemes were approved for other parts of his constituency, NA-13.

Mr Salah said the government had sanctioned Rs80 million for Garhi-Garlat Road in Balakot tehsil to reduce travel time. He said the government was striving to provide civic facilities to the people, especially those living in remote areas.

The parliamentary secretary said he would ensure the completion of development schemes in the district on time.

EXAMS RESCHEDULED: District education officer (female) Nagmana Sardar has said the examinations scheduled for next month will be held in next Jan.

“As schools have been closed due to a spike in coronavirus cases, all examinations will take place in Jan next year,” she told reporters on Saturday.

Ms Sardar said she had directed teachers and other staff members to remain present in schools from Nov 26 to Dec 23 to guide students on online classes and collection of assignments to be done at home during the closure of educational institutions.

“I have also directed head teacher and principals to ensure that the standard operating procedures are strictly followed when students come to schools for homework,” she said.

The DEO said students were directed to attend virtual classes during the winter vacation. She, however, said the students, who didn’t have an access to internet, could stay in hostels of their schools until Dec 23.

“We are constantly in contact with the education minister on our affairs during the pandemic,” she said.

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2020