Fix it now

When development comes to Pakistan, it remains limited to big cities. The authorities fail to pay attention to rural areas which are in a dire need of development work. Panjtar is a small but beautiful village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and is waiting for the provincial government to start development work in the region. The poor level of infrastructure, including no road link, in the village has disconnected residents from the rest of the country. In order to go to markets, schools or bazaars, residents have to cross a wooden bridge which is built over a stream. The bridge was built 20 years ago, and over the time, several pieces of its wooden floor have rotten and fallen off. This has made it difficult for residents, especially children, who walk on the bridge. A few days back, a school-going child fell down through the openings and had to be hospitalised after receiving severe injurious.

According to the local people, many tragic incidents have taken place owing to the ill-condition of the bridge. The higher authorities must take prompt action in this regard and repair the bridge at the earliest. Residents also want the authorities to take notice of the poor condition of roads. The government should resolve these problems on an urgent basis. Because of poor infrastructure, tourism in the area has been badly affected and both the foreign and domestic tourists across are not inclined to enjoy the natural beauty of this picturesque region.

Shaukat Hayat Buneri

Chinglai