MINGORA: Hundreds of the residents of Balogram, Manyar, Tindodag and other villages blocked the main road connecting Swat with the rest of the country for four hours to protest the delay in the major artery`s reconstruction.

The protesters led by the local body`s representatives torched old tyres and shouted slogans against the National Highway Authority and federal government.

They said the reconstruction of the dilapidated road began a year ago but the contractor left without completing work and thus, inconveniencing motorists.

`The contractor put stones, clay and sand on the road from Manyar to Balogram in more than six months before disappearing. Now, the dust rises up into the air whenever vehicles move on the road,` said district councillor Ikramullah.He said the incidence of respiratory problems among the local residents was high.The councillor said water should be sprinkled on the road to settle the dust. The shopkeepers, who were also among the protesters, also complained that the dusty environment had adversely affected their business.

`Not only does the dust cover our goods but it causes suffocation as well. It`s really difficult for us to sit in shops,` said Abdul Wahid, a shopkeeper of Balogram area.

The protesters said the road was ready for blacktopping but the contractor disappeared leaving the clay and dust behind to pollute environment and cause chest, throat and other respiratory diseases.

`The cases of asthma, cough and allergy along with lung, chest and throat problems are rife in the area. We have staged a peaceful protest but the government hasn`t stepped in for corrective measures,` said Darya Khan, another resident of Balogram.

Correspondent