BATTAGRAM: Residents of Bateela union council here on Sunday protested against the authorities for not building a bridge over the Sheeri Khwar River.

Talking to reporters, they said that they had made makeshift crossing points on the river to access other areas. They accused the local lawmakers of showing no concern to public issues. They said that the Bateela union council had several villages whose residents were troubled while crossing the river during rains, putting their lives at risk. They claimed that several people had lost their lives while crossing the river.

Irfan, a resident of Koshgram village, told Dawn that Chief Minister Pervez Khattak had announced construction of the bridge during his recent visit to the district, but said his announcement was yet to be implemented on the ground.

Nawaz, a resident of Panjool, lamented that even in this era they were deprived of well-mended roads and bridges. He said proper communication infrastructure facilitated in having a better living and social interaction.

Amrullah of Bojri village while criticising the politicians’ apathy, said due to unavailability of proper roads and bridge over the local river, students had no easy access to schools, and people to hospitals, which left them behind in every field of life. He demanded of the government to construct the bridge without delay.

Asif of Nehar village said in normal days they easily crossed the river, but it became near impossible to get to other side of the river in rainy season.

Fayaz of Bateela village told Dawn that due to absence of bridge on Sheeri Khwar River several people had lost their lives while crossing the river.

Khan Muhammad, who drives a jeep, said they faced great hardships because of absence of bridge over the river as they had to cross through the water, putting their lives at risk.

Published in Dawn October 17th, 2016