JHELUM VALLEY (Kashmir English): Recent rainfall in Jhelum Valley has exposed the poor condition of roads built at a significant cost, sparking criticism of the Public Works Department (PWD) of Jhelum Valley.
Kashmir Digital learnt that the link road to Bandi Chakan village, constructed at a cost of Rs 2 crore, has turned into ruins after a single rain washed away the tar laid just five months ago.
The tender for this link road was awarded to contractor Hashmatullah Chak in 2021, but the project remains incomplete even after five years. Locals have expressed frustration over the department’s handling of the project, alleging corruption and negligence.
The people of Bandi Chakan are calling on the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, the Chief Secretary, and relevant authorities to investigate the alleged corruption in the road construction project and take legal action against those responsible.
The villagers have demanded to re-inspect the road and re-asphalt it to ensure its durability and safety. They also urged authorities to hold the concerned department accountable for the public loss and ensure that the national treasury is protected from further exploitation.
Recent heavy rainfall in the region has caused widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads and buildings. In Goharabad, a cloudburst damaged four link roads, residential houses, vehicles, and other properties.
