KARACHI, March 17: The road projects initiated during the last three years in Tharparkar had proved extremely beneficial to the local people.

This was observed by Gul Farkhanda, a National Alliance MNA who has recently undertaken a three-day visit to the area, while talking to APP here on Monday.

She pointed out that the newly-built roads from Mithi to different towns like Islamkot, Chhachro, Umerkot, Chalhar and Diplo, have reduced the travel time by an average two-and-a-half hours and also the fare.

Similarly, she said, water pipeline between Mithi and Naukot in a 50km area coupled with facilities to provide adequate water to the residents had contributed greatly in improving the quality of life in the desert area which had long been neglected.

She suggested that employment opportunities be created for the Thar people to help them maintain their improved standard of living. For the purpose, she added, coal projects in islamkot area were there to offer jobs.

She further pointed out that royalty from the granite, china clay, salt and other minerals be utilized in projects of basic amenities, such as health care and education, for Tharparkar people.

Gul Farkhanda stressed the need for poverty alleviation schemes to bring about one million Thar people, living in 22,500 villages, at par with the citizens of other parts of the country.—APP