MANSEHRA: A temporary wooden bridge built on the Manoor stream to link flood-hit Manoor valley with the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road has been removed by the contractor over non-payment of its costs by the Kaghan Development Authority.

The concrete bridge was washed away by the recent flash floods.

Councillor Mohammad Yusuf told reporters on Tuesday that the KDA had engaged contractor Mohammad Khan for building a temporary bridge and the latter put up a structure made of wood and measuring around 20 meters in length for people to cross the stream.

He complained that the KDA didn’t pay the contractor for the assignment despite repeated requests, so the latter took it away disconnecting the valley from other parts of Balakot tehsil.

Mr Yunus also complained about a delay in the reconstruction of the flood-hit infrastructure in the area, especially a major road and bridges, and said the families were troubled by the government’s neglect.

KDA had engaged him for putting up structure in stream after recent floods

He said the residents were desperately looking for the government’s early intervention to rehabilitate infrastructure.

The councillor said the Aug 25-26 record flooding turned the life upside down in the valley and the residents were still without any financial assistance.

He warned if the bridge’s reconstruction was delayed any further, the residents would take to the streets.

MEDICS APPOINTED: The health department has appointed 38 medics to rural health centres and basic health units across Upper Kohistan district.

According to district health officer Dr Taj Mohammad, the appointments meant to fill vacancies have been made ‘on merit’.

He was addressing a function held in district headquarters Dasu on Tuesday to give away letters of appointment to the newly-appointed paramedics.

Dr Taj said the letters of appointment were being issued in public gatherings to ensure no one could raise questions about the fairness of the recruitment exercise.

He said the department would follow suit for the appointment of other health officials in the district.

“We want dedicated professionals in health facilities for better patient care,” he said.

The DHO warned staff members of action over dereliction of duty.

He said the government wanted better health services to people across the district, so the vacant seats of doctors and other staff were being filled gradually.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2022