MALAKAND - Federal Minister for Communications Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan has stressed upon the high-ups of National Highway Authority to start the work on new and old Chakdara Bridges simultaneously and ensure its timely completion with high standard of quality.
He also approved an alternative route for transportation during the construction of the bridges.
He was talking during his inspection tour to Chakdara here on Wednesday.
Senator Zahid Khan, Senator Ahmad Hassan Khan, Member Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Assembly Dr. Zakir Ullah Khan, NHA Members Sabir Hassan, Ch. Mujeeb Qadir, Yusuf Ali Khan, NHA’s GM Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Fazal Nawab Khattak, Project Director-Chakdara Bridge Ibrahim Mohmand, Resident Engineer Mir Yaqoob Khan Barakzai and senior officials accompanied the federal minister.
On his arrival at Masjid Khan Shaheed Police Check Post, the locals of the area gave a warm reception to Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan. The federal minister visited the sites of new and old Chakdara Bridges. A detailed briefing was also given to the Federal Minister on this occasion.
Talking to the people of the area, he said that 310-meter long new Chakdara Bridge will be completed in 18-month period, while 81-meter long old bridge will also be rehabilitated. Both the bridges will be completed at a cost of Rs. 481 million.
Senator Ahmad Hassan Khan said, up to 40-ton load limit would be allowed on bridge so that transportation of agricultural produces and commodities could be facilitated towards Chakdara.
The Federal Minister assured the locals that the PPP government is striving hard for providing relief in all spheres of life and to this effect, record development works have been done in the communications sector. He recalled that during the previous floods, the locals had to face numerous difficulties due to collapse of Chakdara Bridge, but now the construction process will be completed at the earliest.
Senator Zahid Khan emphasized upon the NHA officers to make practical advancement for elimination the sense of deprivation of the locals and work on Chakdara Bridge needs to be started without any delay.
The notables of the area expressed gratitude to Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan for taking interest in earlier construction of bridges at Chakdara.