SWABI: The elected local government representatives from various political parties have decried the delay in the transfer of power to the people`s representatives, saying this is causing unrest among them and people as well.

The local body elections were held on May 30, while re-polling had taken place in various districts soon af ter Eidul Fitr.

Both district and tehsil councilors say perhaps for the first time, the transfer of power to the people`s elected representatives has been delayed for a long time and that it is still not clear when the local governments will come into being.

`The administrative and constitutional powers should be transferred to local bodies under Article 141/A of the Constitution and local government law amended by the provincial government lately,` district councilor from Maneri union council Aamir Nawab Khan.

He said the early transfer of power would strengthen democratic system. Awami National Party district general secretary Mohammad Islam said the delay in the formation of district and tehsil governments should be addressed.

District councilor from Topi East Union Council Aslam Khan said people had been contacting councilors-elect for resolution of their problems but the latter had turned out to be no help due to delay in the transfer of power to them.

He said early empowerment and provision of funds would help councillors live up to the people`s expectations. Other councilors said it was the right of local bodies and not that of MNAs and MPAs to use funds at district and tehsil levels.Correspondent