Several multi-billion-rupee road infrastructure projects in Shangla, funded with World Bank assistance, are under scrutiny due to prolonged delays and allegations of substandard construction. Residents, traders, and transporters are grappling with mounting difficulties across the district.
Heavy Rains Expose Deteriorating Roads
Recent heavy rains have further exposed the deteriorating condition of key roads, disrupting transportation and affecting economic and social activity in the mountainous region. Among the affected schemes are the Karora–Ajmeer Road, Dandai–Chakesar Road, Board–Puran Road, and Karora–Chakesar Road. These roads were intended to be upgraded to modern engineering standards under World Bank-supported development programs.
Allegations of Poor Materials and Slow Progress
Residents and transport operators claim that despite substantial fund allocation and contract awards, progress on several projects remains slow. They allege that poor-quality materials and inadequate engineering practices have contributed to rapid deterioration, particularly after recent torrential rains. Transporters report that repeated appeals and protests have yielded little response from authorities.
Temporary repairs, including dumping sand and soil on damaged sections, were carried out instead of proper reconstruction. These measures were quickly washed away by heavy rainfall.
Retaining Wall Concerns
Concerns have also been raised about retaining walls constructed along some roads. Residents allege that foundations have weakened, and some structures appear hollow beneath, raising questions about construction quality and durability. Transporters describe travel on some routes as increasingly hazardous due to large boulders, debris, and eroded stretches.
The deteriorating roads have increased journey times, damaged vehicles, and pushed up transportation costs.
Economic and Social Impact
The impact extends beyond transportation. Business owners and residents report a slowdown in commercial activity, while patients, students, government employees, and daily commuters face significant hardships due to unreliable road access. Locals point to the Karora–Ajmeer Road project as a prominent example of delays, noting that its contractual completion deadline expired on March 18 despite limited progress.
Similar concerns have been raised about retaining walls on the Karora–Chakesar Road, where structural weaknesses have already emerged. Videos circulating on social media have further fueled public criticism.
Calls for Investigation and Action
Social activists, community leaders, and political representatives have expressed concern over persistent delays and widespread complaints about work quality. They argue that repeated demonstrations and demands by local action committees and elected representatives have failed to bring meaningful improvement.
In Tehsil Kana, members of the Kana Action Committee have staged several protests calling for immediate intervention. Residents in Chakesar and Puran have voiced similar concerns over the pace and quality of ongoing construction.
Residents urge the World Bank, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, and relevant departments to take immediate notice, conduct transparent investigations, and ensure projects are completed according to approved engineering standards. Timely intervention is essential to restore safe transportation links, revive economic activity, and ease hardships for hundreds of thousands across Shangla district.
