Shortage of food items, fuel feared in Upper Chitral

BOONI: As the road between Lower and Upper Chitral is blocked at different points after the recent rains and floods, there are apprehensions about shortage of essential food and other items in Upper Chitral.

Though traffic was restored at Koghuzi today by removing flood debris from the stream over which the bridge was destroyed, a portion of Chitral-Reshun road has been washed away at Shader in Reshun.

Additional deputy commissioner Muazzam Khan Bangash held a meeting with the owners of petrol pumps and discussed the situation. He told the petrol dealers that Lon-Gohkir road had been opened as an alternative to the blocked road at Reshun and they could transport fuel to Upper Chitral using small vehicles.

The official assured the participants that the district administration would extend all-out support to resolve any problems as regard to the alternative road. The petrol dealers said that they would make efforts to ensure stock of fuel in the district.

Local people, however, told ChitralToday that due to lack of maintenance the alternative road had been in a very poor shape and the recent rains had further damaged it. They said it was not possible for even small loaded vehicles to use the road.

The district administration officials visited different markets and checked the availability of essential items. They also discussed availability of enough cash with banks and told them to keep enough currency notes with them. The bankers however said that at present there was shortage and they could arrange more cash, if a need arises.