LOWER DIR: Disappointed by the local lawmakers, the residents on Friday decided to reconstruct a floodhit bridge on the Panjkora River with the help of philanthropists and overseas Pakistanis.

The bridge was partially washed away by flash floods in Aug 2022.

The people living on both sides of the river have long been demanding of the local lawmakers to rebuild the damaged bridge, but to no avail.

The residents used to cross the river through a dangerous chairlift.

The work on the reconstruction of the bridge was inaugurated by Commandant Dir Scouts BrigSanaullah during a function held at the site here the other day.

Awami National Party local leader Malik Aftab Iqbal also handed a cheque of Rs1 million to local community for reconstruction of the bridge.

The locals have formed a supervisory committee headed byAkhunzada Fazil Syed to ensure quality of work and collect donations.

Talking to reporters, Fazil Syedclaimed the project would be completed in four months. He said the project would cost about Rs150 million, which would be collected from philanthropists and overseas Pakistanis. The committee head claimed that Rs50 million had been collected so far. Correspondentclaimed the project would be completed in four months. He said the project would cost about Rs150 million, which would be collected from philanthropists and overseas Pakistanis. The committee head claimed that Rs50 million had been collected so far. Correspondent