Srinagar, May 10: In another brazen example of lack of co-ordination between government departments, the Zakura road, which was macadamized last year for the first time since its inception, has been dug up for laying water pipes.
 The locals are up in arms against the government over the issue. “For 20 years we were running from pillar to post to get the road macadamized but now it’s again in shambles,” the locals said while pointing towards the dug-up road.
 The road has been dug up by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHE) to lay water pipeline.

THE PUBLIC FURY
“What was the PHE doing for 20 years when the road wasn’t macadamized?  Why suddenly after the road was blacktopped that they decided to dig it again for laying of water pipes?” the locals argued.
 “It shows lack of coordination between the two government departments and how public money is being wasted in the name of development,” said Javid Reshi, a local who led a delegation of complainants.

THE INCONVENIENCE
The Zakura inhabitants, these days are facing inconvenience, as they have to walk a considerable distance on foot, given the dilapidated road.
 “I have to park my car in my friend’s home, which is at least one kilometer away from my residence,” complained Ajaz Ahmad, a resident. 
 Proprietors of business establishments along the Zakura road are equally aghast. “We are facing losses as customers avoid this messy route. Since last month our sales have drastically gone down and we are not in position to pay shop rent to landlords,” Bashir Ahmad, a shopkeeper said.
 The Zakura road is an important link for residents of Hazratbal, Malabagh, Rangapora and other adjoining areas with the SK Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). 
 For now the patients of this area have to take alternative roads to reach SKIMS. Similar is the inconvenience faced by students particularly those traveling to Kashmir University via Lal Bazar.

PHE SPEAKS
When contacted Public Health Engineering (PHE), Executive Engineer, Shafat Hussain Qadeemi told Greater Kashmir that laying of water pipes on Zakura road was long pending.
 “This scheme had been in pipeline for a long. As soon as funds were released, we started work on this project. We have dug a portion of the road and will also provide financial expenses to R&B for undertaking its repairs,” Qadeemi said.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 10 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 10 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 IST