YARKHUN: Once a single village of green fields along both banks of the Yarkhun River, Gazen has remained cut off for over a year after floods destroyed its connecting bridge.
Families are divided, farmland is unreachable without a 2–3 hour detour via Karim Bagh bridge, and children in Nichagh cannot reach their school in Gazen.
The graveyard lies on the Gazen side, raising fears about transporting the deceased in summer when the river is uncrossable.
Local people told ChitraToday that last winter, residents built a temporary link, but summer floods have once again severed all access. Social ties have suffered as families can’t visit for condolences, celebrations or daily support.
Although surveys are complete and funding allocated, Rs600,000 from Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi and Rs700,000 from MNA Abdul Latif, no reconstruction has begun.
Tenders were awarded and contractors named, yet locals say the contractors, both from Yarkhun, refuse to start despite receiving work orders.
Residents accuse them of deliberately delaying in hopes volunteers will do the work while they still claim payment. Frustration is growing. While local leaders have so far calmed protests, many now warn they will resort to direct action, including demonstrations at contractors’ homes.
Villagers strongly condemned the contractors for repeated delays. They demand immediate work to restore this vital link.