NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani, Thursday formally launched Rs 355.3 million Barang Road project in Bajaur Agency and assured the elders that more such public welfare projects would be initiated in all those areas, where the tribesmen extend co-operation to the administration in the maintenance of peace and order.
A ceremony in this regard was held at Governor House here, which was attended by prominent tribal elders of Barang Bajaur Agency. Additional Chief Secretary Fata Habibullah Khan, Chief Executive FDA Attaullah Khan and Secretary to Governor Arbab Muhammad Arif were also present.
Governor Owais Ghani said that not only the pace of development in peaceful tribal areas would be accelerated but at the same time more development funds would also be allocated for such areas. "This must be clear to all the tribesmen that development process can only be continued in those areas where the tribes do respect peace and support the administration in maintenance of peace", the Governor remarked adding that peace was pre-requisite for development and needed support of the local populace.
The Governor appreciated the people and elders of Barang Bajaur for keeping their area peaceful and fully secure of unwanted elements. He said that Barang road project could be materialised because of the efforts of the local tribesmen and their co-operation with the govt for peace and stability.
"No doubt people's welfare and wellbeing is a prime responsibility of the govt but the people and elders would also have to play their role in providing an environment conducive for development", Governor Ghani said adding, "situation in Fata is improving speedily and the nation would get rid off the curse of terrorism and extremism very soon".
Earlier in a presentation, the gathering was informed that 22 km long Barang road in Bajaur Agency would cost Rs 355.3 million and will be completed by April 2010. After completion the road will provide safe and speedy passage to nearly 40,000 residents of Kot, Dheri, Manzaray Baba, Selai Pattay, Badama and contiguous areas of Bajaur and Malakand Agencies. Similarly another 90,000 population of the surrounding settled areas would also find an alternative and short route to the down districts.
The new road will be an easy access for transportation of minerals to the prospective markets in the down country and onward to the international export markets. The tribal elders, present in the ceremony expressed their pleasure over the initiation of the road project, which according to them was an outstanding need of the people of the area.
The road, they added had a great significance in the socio-economic development of the area, considered to be the most remote and backward in Bajaur Agency. They thanked the Governor and the govt for fulfilling one of their old desires. Later the Governor also unveiled a memorial plaque.
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