By Wadood Mehsud
SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A key road in South Waziristan Upper has fallen into severe disrepair despite the availability of maintenance funds, raising concerns over official negligence and prompting calls for action against those responsible.
The road linking Jandola to Makeen was said to be rapidly deteriorating, with several sections buried under मिट and debris due to a failure to clear drainage passages and open causeways.
In a statement, chairman Ishaq Shamirai criticised the performance of the Communication and Works department and other relevant authorities, questioning why routine maintenance had not been carried out.
He said traffic flow had been severely affected, leaving passengers, patients and local residents facing significant hardship, while transport in the area had been nearly paralysed.
Shamirai said it was alarming that, despite funds being allocated for annual maintenance, the road had been neglected, calling it clear evidence of inefficiency and a lack of interest by the authorities. He added that continued neglect was depriving residents of a basic facility such as a paved road, which he said was unacceptable.
He urged the commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan Division and the deputy commissioner of South Waziristan Upper to take immediate notice, initiate strict action against responsible officials and ensure urgent restoration of the road, warning that public reaction could intensify otherwise.
Residents also warned that if repairs were further delayed, protests would be expanded. They said the road was vital not only for daily life but also for business activity and emergency services, adding that its current condition could lead to a major accident.
