Corps Commander inaugurates bridges and road linking Arson and Patai in Chitral

CHITRAL: Commander XI Corps Lieutenant General Umair Ahmed Bukhari on Sunday inaugurated bridge and road projects built by the SRSP at Patai Bridge. The projects connect the remote valleys of Arson and Patai with the main Chitral-Peshawar Road. The corps commander visited the projects at the invitation of the community.

With the support of the German government, the SRSP built two jeepable suspension bridges and an eight-kilometre road under the PATRIP Foundation project.

Details of the projects

The bridge over the Chitral River has a span of 400 feet and cost Rs160 million. The second bridge, with a span of 200 feet, was built over the Nagar Gol stream at a cost of Rs134 million. The eight-kilometre road from the Chitral-Peshawar Road to Arson was built at a cost of Rs120 million. It will give the people of Arson access in all seasons.

Residents’ views

Abdullah Khan, a resident of Arson, said it used to take about five hours to reach the valley, while the new road covers the distance in just 25 minutes. He said the road will stay open in all weather, whereas the old road remained open for only eight to nine months a year.

Ihsan, an elder of Patai village, said the village had been completely cut off from the main road. He said the bridge has restored the valley’s connection and opened new doors of economic opportunity for a population of 40,000.

SRSP CEO Masood-ul-Mulk told the corps commander that Rs2.3 billion has been invested in Chitral with the support of the German government and the PATRIP Foundation. Under this, 57 kilometres of roads were built, including the Arandu valley road, and 48 government schools were rebuilt. Several schools were given basic facilities such as furniture and computers. Help was also given to build the Agricultural Research Centre in Chitral and a marketing centre in Arandu.

He said the SRSP is also helping to build public infrastructure in Khyber, Kurram, Bajaur and North Waziristan under the project.

Corps commander’s address

The corps commander praised the work of the SRSP and thanked the community and the SRSP for the invitation. He said providing opportunities to people living in difficult conditions in border areas is the joint responsibility of the government, the army and civil society. He said this is the best example of all sections working together for a common goal.

Deputy Commissioner Ihsanullah said the process of handing over the infrastructure to the Communication and Works Department is being started. According to him, the district administration will try to resolve the drinking water problems raised by the community.

The corps commander told the community that he would look into the possibility of paving the road with Corps funds.

Senior officers of the district administration, the IG FC North, community elders, the media and SRSP staff attended the ceremony.