MINGORA, Sept 5: Local government bodies in the Malakand division have failed to meet the objectives set in the local government ordinance (LGO) regarding development of backward areas.

The nazims are not ready to release the 25 per cent share in development funds to the citizen community boards. It has been noticed that in the citizen community boards have launched mega projects but in most districts the funds are yet to be utilized.

The nazims say that the funds should not be spent by non-elected people and elected people had the right to spend the funds at their free will. It may be mentioned here that the communities have formed the boards and also submitted the schemes.

The people have also deposited the 20 per cent community share for the schemes and have been frequently visiting the offices of the authorities concerned for release of funds, but in vain.

Only in Swat 101 boards have been seen functional. Some 51 schemes have been submitted and 23 have been approved for payment, but the major schemes will hardly get funds under this programme. The nazims of district council have decided that a scheme costing above Rs 300,000 would not be approved.

Majority of the office bearers have termed it as violation of the local government ordinance. Reliable sources revealed that a huge fund of about Rs 20 million had been available for the last three years to be spent through the boards, but the people of local bodies were trying to divide it on basis of union councils.

The office bearers of the boards have demanded of the authorities to expedite the process of payment, so that the schemes could be initiated without any further delay.