Chitral by-pass road

Through your newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned Authorities towards the proposed by-pass road in Chitral city. This by-pass road has been the most contentious issue for the last several years. Past governments have used this road to gain political score. Some years back, Mr. Sherpao formally inaugurated the construction of this road. But when his government was dissolved, the construction of this road went into the background. Now, the issue of by-pass road has again appeared on the scene. This time, MMA government is trying to take the credit of the construction of by-pass road. Survey of the proposed road has been made, and about 78 feet wide double road is under consideration. The plan is to construct this road according to the international standard, which required large sum of fund and better maintenance in future.

We welcome the construction of by-pass road keeping in view our future needs. Construction of by-pass road will solve traffic problem and will also help generate economic activities.

Reservations about the by-pass road has been expressed by the people belonging to various walks of life. They have some concerns:

1. There is acute shortage of real estate in Chitral due to over population and rapid urbanization. So, enough property is not available for this purpose. The affectees will lose their ancestral property.

2. The compensation being paid to the affectees is based an market rate but according to the official rate which is very low to rehabilitate them.

3. The proposed road is too wide which is unnecessary. It can be reduced to 40 feet from 78 feet. 40 feet wide road will meet the present and future requirements.

4. Funds for this road will be provided on annual basis. Suppose, new government comes in place of MMA government after the coming elections, then what will be the fate of this project? With the change of government in Pakistan, policies are also changed.

5. If this road is being constructed according the international standard, can this standard be maintained in future?

6. Lastly, waiting rooms for females, washrooms etc. up to high standard will be made part of the proposed by-pass. But what about the existing roads and Coach/jeep stands, where these facilities are not available.

The above reservations should be taken into considerations before starting the construction of by-pass road. We need by-pass road, but this project should not be made controversial. Rationed approval for this project is needed. All sections of the society should be taken into confidence before starting the work on by-pass road.


Thanks

Bashir Hussain Azad
Chitral