STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR : The Sultan Khel Gul Baba Bridge, located near Haji Ayub Afridi’s fort in Landi Kotal, was severely damaged and swept away during the last flood but has yet to be reconstructed. As a result, a large population remains deprived of a vital transportation link and continues to face the threat of further loss of life and property during rains and floods. The absence of the bridge, coupled with inadequate protective measures along the floodwater channel, has made the situation even more alarming.
According to local residents, the destruction of the Sultan Khel Gul Baba Bridge during the last flood severely disrupted communication in the area. Floodwaters damaged several houses and caused the walls of a number of homes to collapse. Reports also emerged of vehicles being swept away and precious human lives being lost due to the intensity of the floodwaters. Residents continue to live under fear and uncertainty following the disaster.
The destruction of the bridge has created serious difficulties for the local population in daily travel, business activities, transportation of patients and other essential matters. Traveling during funerals, weddings and, particularly, emergencies has become increasingly difficult. In the event of an accident or medical emergency, timely access has also become a major challenge, while the situation becomes even more critical during rainfall.
Residents say that the lack of adequate protective measures around the bridge means that the entire area comes under threat as soon as it rains. Fast-flowing floodwater poses a continuing risk to homes, settlements and other property. According to the public, reconstruction of the bridge alone will not fully resolve the problem; strong concrete protective walls must also be constructed on both sides of the floodwater channel to prevent future floodwaters from entering residential areas.
Residents warn that the damage caused by the previous flood is clear evidence that another major tragedy could occur during future rains or floods if permanent protective measures are not taken. A large population of Sultan Khel Gul Baba and adjoining areas is facing a dual threat: restricted transportation due to the absence of the bridge and the continuing danger posed by floodwaters.
The people of Sultan Khel Gul Baba have called upon the federal and provincial governments, Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi, Haji Shah Ji Gul Afridi and the Deputy Commissioner Khyber to take immediate notice of the serious situation and ensure reconstruction of the bridge on an emergency basis. They have also demanded the construction of strong concrete protective walls on both sides of the floodwater channel to safeguard the population from future flood disasters.
Residents said reconstruction of the bridge is not merely a development project but a matter of restoring basic transportation and protecting the lives and property of thousands of people. They urged the authorities to allocate funds immediately, begin construction without further delay and take permanent measures to protect the area from recurring flood threats. They warned that further delays could turn the next spell of rain or flooding into another major tragedy.
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