Hailed for its infrastructure-oriented development programs, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) kept on turning a blind eye at tattered roads in Bhara Kahu – a Suburb area located about eight kilometers north of Islamabad’s Convention Centre.
Soon after assuming the throne of Islamabad in mid-2013, the PML-N leadership made multiple promises to Bhara Kahu dwellers but unfortunately they turned out to be nothing but mere political rhetoric.
Among other assurances, infrastructure development especially construction of a bypass at Bhara Kahu was also a major promise – made by the PML-N leadership to lessen people’s grievances related to traffic issues – but it was never fulfilled.
Though provision of better educational and health facilities to the people in Bhara Kahu also remained just a tall claim but sanitation issues and dilapidated roads have been the major concern, almost every resident has to suffer from. Even local government representatives – mostly affiliated with ruling PML-N – also failed to deliver in that regard.
In Bhara Kahu, two roads – Simli Dam Road and Kiyani Road – are inarguably the most populated and well-known roads. If Simli Dam Road is surrounded by commercial markets, Kiyani Road also hosts a number of educational institutions.
Complying with demands, the State Minister for Capital Administration and Development (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry – who won his National Assembly seat from NA-49 Constituency under which Bhara Kahu also falls – in December last year inaugurated the restoration and expansion of the Simli Dam Road, which was still under way.
However, Kiyani Road yet awaits his attention, and wherein filthy and contaminated water stands 24 hours. Likewise, streets adjoining Kiyani Road also depict the same story.