PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday sought a report from the National Highway Authority (NHA) and other relevant authorities regarding delays in road construction in Chitral.
The case was heard by a two-member bench comprising Chief Justice SM Attique Shah and Justice Muhammad Ejaz Khan Sabi.The petitioner’s lawyer told the court that roads in Chitral were in a dilapidated condition, and while construction work has started, progress has been very slow, causing difficulties for the public. He also questioned why work on the Chitral-Shandur Road was suddenly halted.
During the hearing, an NHA member explained that funds for the contractor had been exhausted. If timely payments are not made, contractors have the right to suspend work. The NHA owes the contractor Rs 290 million and the contractor has reportedly halted work, causing the sudden stoppage.
The chief justice directed the authorities to ensure the contractor is satisfied and that construction work resumes immediately.The chief engineer (North) informed the court that 15 km of the Booni-Buzurd Road has been blacktopped, work is ongoing on 46 km of the Ayun-Bamburet Road, and the Lowari Approach Road has been completed and will be inaugurated soon. The court instructed the Chief Engineer North to consult with relevant authorities regarding road funding and other challenges and sought detailed reports from all parties concerned.
