Staff Correspondent
GARAM CHASHMA: A complete shutter-down and wheel-jam strike was observed in Garam Chashma to protest delays in the repair and blacktopping of the badly damaged Garam Chashma Road.
According to local residents, the government has approved funds for blacktopping a 12-kilometre section of the road, but National Highway Authority (NHA) officials have allegedly been delaying the start of work for the past six months.
The deteriorating condition of the road has caused serious difficulties for thousands of residents and motorists who use the route.
Following the expiry of an ultimatum issued by Drivers Union, transport services on the road were completely suspended, while businesses in the local Bazaar remained closed as part of the strike.
Drivers’ union organisers, local elders and a large number of residents gathered at the bus stand, where they are holding a sit-in and demanding the immediate commencement of blacktopping work.
The protesters said their sole demand is the immediate utilisation of the funds released by the government for blacktopping the 12-kilometre section.
They said work should begin without further delay so that public funds are not wasted by attempting to carry out asphalt work during unsuitable winter conditions.
The protesters also expressed concern that no representative of any responsible government or state institution had so far met with them to address their demands.
The wheel-jam and shutter-down strike disrupted normal life in the area. Protesters and local elders said the sit-in would continue until work on the road begins.
They warned that if their demands are not addressed, they would march towards Chitral city in the coming days and stage a sit-in outside government institutions.