EU-funded bridge completed in Shangla

BISHAM: A European Union (EU)-funded suspension bridge was inaugurated in Rahimabad village in Alpuri Union Council in the Shangla district on Thursday.
The suspension bridge in Rahimabad Basi was washed away by the floods in 2010. The Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) rebuilt the bridge under Peace programme of the European Union.
The local community also contributed Rs275,000 to the project which was completed at a cost Rs1.625million.
Commissioner Malakand Captain (R) Usman Gul inaugurated the bridge and appreciated the SRSP and the communities for setting up a good example of efficient use of resources and timely completion of the project.
“It is good to see SRSP is working in collaboration with the people,” he added.
The locals expressed joy over the reconstruction of the bridge as they were facing difficulties in reaching their schools. “The schoolchildren would have to cross the stream through dangerous makeshift chair lift to reach their schools, said an elder.
“I am happy that now we will face no difficulty to reach our schools,” said a student, Naveed Ahmed.