Gojal: Pedestrian bridge inaugurated 7 days ago tilts dangerously
PT Report
Gulmit, January 6: A pedestrian bridge inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner of Hunza-Nagar amid pomp and show, in the presence of media, on 31st December has dangerously tilted to one side, exposing the low quality of work. Apparently a platform made of stones and sand on which the bridge stood has given in, damaging the bridge and increasing the risks of accidents.
Design of the make-shift bridge was not appropriate for this part of the Gojal Valley where strong winds blow throughout the day during winters and the river water flows fast, eroding soil in large quantities.
The bridge was constructed to connect Shishkat with rest of the Gojal Valley.
Local people have condemned the concerned authorities for not taking serious interest in resolving longstanding issues of the people of Gojal Valley. “They are joking with us”, Shahana, a woman crossing the bridge told our correspondent. She demanded action against the contractors and the engineers who had designed “a master piece of engineering”, she mockingly added.
Another local named Fida Shefta informed Pamir Times that one side of the bridge which he said was made of “soil” has been damaged. He expressed fear that if the government does not repair the bridge or reconstruct it there will be dangers for the pedestrians who are forced to use it due to the absence of any alternate route, except boats which cannot operate during the winters.
Community participation is considered key indicator to sustain any project. The policy makers needs to review on their strategies. If this cost would be given to community and standard work would have been ensured today the community could not make complaint. may be Govt would have spent millions of amount to deliver the service to community but instead of relief now it has become hazard. Local committees should not be neglected and indigenous knowledge should be ensured for long term sustainability.