The masses of Upper Chitral have voiced their opinion regarding their frustration over the long-delayed construction of the Booni-Buzund Road and called on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to take the necessary measures to complete the project on time. They alleged that despite the release of a significant sum of Rs 90.50 million in advance, the contractor has halted work on the vital road, leaving thousands of residents stranded and facing hardships.
At a press conference held recently, representatives of the Torkhow and Terich Road Forum, including Waqas Ahmed Advocate, Sajidullah Advocate, Shujaul Haq Baig, and Torkhow Tehsil Chairman Mir Jamsheduddin, criticized the lack of progress on the 32-kilometer road project. They accused the Provincial Communication and Works (C&W) department of colluding with the contractor, claiming that funds were disbursed without ensuring that the project was completed.
The forum members alleged that the executive engineer of the C&W department was not qualified for his current position, pointing out that he is a junior officer of grade-17 but has been appointed to a grade-18 post due to the influence of local MPA and Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Assembly Suraya Bibi. They described this as a blatant misuse of authority and public funds, urging the provincial government to investigate these irregularities.
Residents’ reactions towards the project
Residents expressed their anger, noting that the project, which has been in progress for over 15 years, remains incomplete. This delay has significantly affected the daily lives of the people in the region, particularly in Torkhow and Terich, as the road is a critical lifeline for transportation and economic activities.
The speakers warned of a large-scale protest if work on the road does not resume immediately. They stated that thousands of locals, including women, would march on the district headquarters in Booni to demand justice and ensure the project’s completion.
Residents emphasized taking effective measures to complete the project:
The residents emphasized the need for the provincial government to take swift action, not only to resume construction but also to hold those responsible for the delay accountable. They urged the Chief Minister to ensure transparency and efficiency in the use of public funds so that vital infrastructure projects like the Booni-Buzund Road can be completed without further delays.
This prolonged stagnation in road development has left the community feeling neglected, and their patience is wearing thin as they continue to face the consequences of a project that remains incomplete after more than a decade.