NAORWAL: The construction of a bridge and road over stormwater drain Basantar in Shakargarh is incomplete after four years.

Cracks have appeared in the poorly constructed road bed leading to a suspension of two-way traffic.

The project, initiated in 2021 to connect villages Gumtala and Balu Khatana, saw the bridge completed, but the road work halted after the contractor left the project. A poorly made road bed was left behind that worsened during heavy rains.

Local residents Farooq Ahmad Khatana said that for decades, people have had to cross Basantar drain by a private boat by paying fares ranging from Rs20 to 50.

Villagers accused the boat owner of colluding to delay the construction.

Muhammad Ajmal and Muhammad Azim Gujjar alleged that the contractor’s actions were also part of a conspiracy to benefit the boat owner. The poor state of the road is forcing residents, including students and teachers, to use boats to cross the canal.

Members of the public Muhammad Amin Arifi and Sohail Ahmad said that multiple applications had been submitted to the Highways Department, Shakargarh assistant commissioner and the Narowal deputy commissioner, but no official action has been taken.

An attempt to reach Highways Executive Engineer Nanan Ashraf for comment remained unsuccessful. However, Deputy Commissioner Syed Hasan Raza said he has sought a report on the delay and assured that the cracks will be repaired soon.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2024