Only one-third of marble units resume work in Buner

Wednesday, October 07, 2009 By By Nisar Mahmood

PESHAWAR: Buner marble industry has been encountering a number of problems as more than half of the industrial units have not yet started operation because of massive power loadshedding and shortage of marble stone. The marble industry in the Buner district suffered heavily due to militancy and almost all the industrial units were closed after the launch of military operation in the area. The closure caused a loss of millions of rupees to the owners who have invested a huge amount in the industry, the biggest in the province. Hardly one-third of the industrial units have started operation after the military operation was over and the area was cleared, Shamsul Wahab, President Marble Industries Association, Gagra zone, told The News. He, however, said the industry had not gained momentum and a large number of industrial units were still closed. The industrialists said they have been facing severe power shortage and it is hitting the industries while causing unemployment on a large scale. Wahab urged the government to ensure proper power supply to the district. He said Buner marbles are famous for best quality and had high demand for export, but the situation during the last six month caused closure of the industry and millions of rupees losses to the investors. The marble industry is still in the crisis despite the fact the normalcy returned to the area, he added.