THIS is with reference to the article ‘Crooked path — the Turbat-Buleda road’ (Aug 26), which discussed the rampant corruption in Balochistan’s development sector, and delay in the timely completion of government projects. Unfortunately, the text failed to communicate the whole picture. For instance, it did not talk about the involvement of officials, including a former provincial chief minister, who awarded the road project while disregar- ding valid issues raised at the time.

The road is actually 33km long, not 19km, and connects Turbat and Buleda through the central Makran mountain range. It was commissioned in 2010 as per the Communication and Works Depart- ment’s 1998 schedule rates. There are three main phases out of which two are completed, and the third one is 90 per cent completed.

The project involved cutting through 23km of hilly terrain using heavy machines, which posed a significant challenge.

The prevalent challenging law and order situation in Balochistan also played its part in delaying the project. However, the road is seen as a major accomplishment. Before the construction of the road, it took people up to three hours to reach Turbat. Now, they can do it in a mere 45 minutes.

Asif Hameed
Turbat

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2024