Residents concerned at delay in reconstruction of bridge

CHITRAL: Residents of Koghazi village in Koh Union Council have voiced deep concern and frustration over the prolonged delay in reconstruction of a bridge that was washed away during the 2022 floods.

Speaking at a press conference here on Sunday, the community elders condemned the government’s indifference and the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) negligence, warning that continued inaction could lead to a humanitarian crisis.

The local elders, including Ijaz Ahmed, Kabirullah, Muhammad Abdullah, Shamsher Wali Khan (alias Sher), Muhammad Qasim, and Aleemuddin, stated that despite the passage of three years, neither a permanent nor a temporary bridge has been built. As a result, motor vehicles are forced to cross the stream using three RCC pipes, a makeshift solution that becomes life-threatening during heavy rains or flooding.

They warned that the direction of floodwaters now threatens both sides of the village, making the absence of a proper bridge even more dangerous. The residents had voluntarily donated land for the road diversion without compensation, but they are now considering revoking access due to the government’s failure to act.

The villagers also highlighted serious allegations of corruption within the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Chitral. They claimed that the provincial government had released Rs15 million for rehabilitation after the floods, but the contractor received full payment without any actual work being carried out on the site. Similarly, Rs. 2 million was allocated for the restoration of a flood-damaged mini-hydropower project, but again, no work was completed.