Army focusing to construct secondary roads in quake hit areas

ISLAMABAD: After restoration of main communication networks in earthquake affected areas, efforts of Pakistan Army were now focused to restore secondary roads so as the relief operation could be carried out at faster pace in the remote areas before onset of sever winter.

Over 14000 troops of Army engineers and Frontiers Works Organization were employed in affected areas of AJK and NWFP who are round the clock busy in opening up of blocked roads, maintenance of tracks and roads, removal of rubble, construction of Water points and assisting locals in construction of shelters.

Army Engineers were assisting locals in construction of their shelters particularly those affected people who have been paid the compensation amount.

So far 1200 shelters have been constructed by Army engineers in affected areas of Azad Kashmir and NWFP.

In AJK 753 shelters have been constructed after the work commenced a week ago. In Bagh city and surrounding areas over 300 shelters could be constructed till last day. in Neelabut Pakistan Army engineers assisted 108 families in construction of shelters which could which is likely in few days.

in Dhir Kot, Berican Barar, Shaheed Gula, Ali Sojal, Dothan Stai areas 149 shelters have been constructed.

As many as 107 shelters have prepared for the affected people in Lumanian and Rub Hali areas of Gari Dupatta while in Jhelum valley 38 shelters have been prepared.

In various affected areas of NWFP 458 shelters have been prepared while the work is picking pace after opening up of road communication. It is expected that shelters could be prepared at much faster pace in coming days.

On Wednesday alone 217 shelters could be prepared in Shawal Najaf, Hugrai, Sarash, Dhong, Jabri Jabbi, Sachal Kalan, Manda Guch BALI Mong, Deoli, Mehra Shamlai and Gari Habib ullah.

It is also worth mentioning that all major roads Muzaffarabad-Neelum, Muzaffarabad-Chakoti, Balakot-Kaghan, Rawalpindi-Bagh and Rawalpindi-Rawalakot have been opened while the work is in on secondary roads.