Asim Kurd Gelo vows to restore flood-hit infrastructure
Asim Kurd Gelo vows to restore flood-hit infrastructure
Our Reporter
BalochistanLatest

BHAG / QILA ABDULLAH: The recent flash floods have wreaked havoc in Balochistan. Roads in most areas of Kachhi district have been swept away disrupting all communication links with main cities and causing immense difficulties for the people.

BHAG / QILA ABDULLAH: The recent flash floods have wreaked havoc in Balochistan. Roads in most areas of Kachhi district have been swept away disrupting all communication links with main cities and causing immense difficulties for the people.

“We are aware of the troubles being faced by our people and are in contact with the relevant departments,” said former provincial minister Muhammad Asim Kurd Gelo in a statement issued on Tuesday. “The recent flash floods have caused a lot of destruction in the areas of Kachhi district. We cannot leave our affected brothers alone in this hour of need,” he said.

Gelo said they were in contact with the relevant departments for the restoration of the roads. “The infrastructure of most of the areas of the district has been badly damaged. There are many small towns from National Highway to big cities where communication has been cut off,” said the former minister, adding that they were trying their best to utilise all the resources at their disposal to address these challenges.

The communication system of Haji Sheher, Landse, Ghazi, Tok, Chandar, Gamo, Mesr Shahwani along with many other areas of Kachhi district has been disrupted. “We are in direct contact with the relevant department for the restoration of the communication facilities.

We are also in direct contact with them for the reconstruction of the roads so that in case of any emergency no trouble arises,” said the ex-minister. He said that it was the utmost responsibility of the government to protect its citizens.

“Power and chair are not as important as solving the problems of the people. I have spent my whole life working for the welfare of the people. My vision and aim in life are to see the people happy, developed and educated,” he added..

The flood affectees of Qilla Abdullah on Tuesday blocked the QuettaChaman highway in protest against non-acceptance of their demands by the government. They burnt tyres and chanted slogans against the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the government. Several cars and commuters could been seen stuck in the traffic jam on the highway.

The protesters said the government had not yet provided any sort of proper compensation nor roof over their heads after the flash floods destroyed their homes. They termed the treatment of the government towards them as “sheer injustice”. “The floods deprived us of shelter and the government gave us just one or two tents and thought its work was done,” said the protesters. “We are living without basic necessities of life.”

On the other hand, the NHA has not yet taken any measures to broaden the barrier responsible for protecting the city against floods due to which the danger that the city might be swept again still lurks.

A provincial government delegation comprising Assistant Commissioner Jahanzeb Sheikh, Tehsildar Darya Khan Kethran and SHO Ashraf Kakar held talks with the protesters. After being assured that their demands would be met, the protesters called off their protest. The protesters said that if their demands were not met they would block the highway once again for an unlimited time period.