CM KP directs for rapid work on road

[Salman]

PESHAWAR - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has directed for expediting work on Sharifabad-Kanju-Madyan Road that besides linking Dir Lower and Swat would prove new and alternate highway for locals and tourists to the scenic spots of the two districts.

The US International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Agency (INL) and World Bank as a part of world aid for rehabilitation of terror and flood-affected infrastructure are jointly providing funds to the tune of $ 33 million for this 85 km long route passing from various picturesque valleys.

A meeting chaired by Engr Zahid Arif, Secretary Communication & Works, reviewed progress on the project that was largely participated by INL, WB, Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority, C&W, NLC and others local heads and representatives. The Secretary C&W while dissatisfying over pace of work asked the two construction firms NLC and Khatak Allied to accelerate to ensure timely and quality completion of the 42 km phase of highway from Kanju to Dhamiana Madyan costing $ 25 M under USA-INL grant. A deadline of completing this important phase by April 2013 was given to both the companies. It was decided that officers and engineers concerned would undertake weekly inspections of the site while heavy penalty would be imposed on delay or lethargy anywhere to meet all the deadlines in this regard.

Engr Zahid Arif said the CM was taking keen interest in early completion of this project to benefit the locals and the tourists of its fruits.

He said the government was eager in overall development of Swat and Dir for which not only the available resources are efficiently exploited but maximum foreign financial support is also acquired.

He cautioned that he would personally monitor progress on Sharifabd-Kanju-Madyan road and would pay surprise visits of the site to keep himself abreast with actual work wherein severe action would be taken against any officials found in negligence or lethargy.