Slow-paced work on bridges irks residents

JALAABAD (Pajhwok): Residents of eastern Nangarhar province on Wednesday complained that construction work on three major bridges had been lingering on for a long time.

Lately, the government launched work on Behsud, Jandarma and Farm Hadi bridges in the provincial capital. Locals, however, complain the developing work is taking way too long.

Mumtazul Haq, a resident of Bagrami district, told Pajhwok Afghan News it had been three months since construction began but so far not even 10% work had been done. “It takes us more than an hour travelling this route.”

Naveed, a resident of Farm Hadi area, also expressed anger over the delay. “At the ground-breaking ceremony, officials claimed it would be ready within six months but in the last three months less than half of the bridge has been constructed.”

He called upon the officials to strictly monitor the contractors working on the site.

An employee of the construction company working on Jandarma, and Farm Hadi bridges told (PAN) on a condition of keeping his identity secret that the delay was caused by the government.

Zabihullah Zmarai, a member of the provincial council, criticised the construction company working on all three bridges and blamed it for the delay. He said at times the delay had technical reasons.

Public Works Rasool Gul Faqir acknowledging the delay and said the government had resolved some technical matters and work would gain momentum soon. He added the construction company had been given 14 months time.

“We are waiting for the weather to cool down a bit so that we do not need to halt water supply to hundreds hectors of agriculture land for the construction of Farm Hadi bridge” Faqir said.

About the bridge in Behsud area, he expressed hope that it would soon be completed.

sks/mud

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