KP reports Rs 10.5b loss to infrastructure in recent rains

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has released details of damage caused to the province’s communication infrastructure by floods and landslides during recent rains.

According to the damage assessment report covering the period from August 15 to August 22, at least 331 roads sustained damage at 336 locations, affecting a total stretch of 493 kilometers. Of these, 57 roads remain closed, while 229 roads have been partially restored and 50 fully reopened. The estimated cost of road restoration is Rs 9.45 billion.

The report further revealed that 32 bridges were washed away, while one bridge has been fully reopened to traffic and 22 partially restored. However, nine bridges remain closed. The repair and rehabilitation of bridges are expected to cost Rs 1.12 billion.

According to the report, Swat was the worst-affected district, where 79 roads were damaged at 80 locations, with 43 kilometers washed away by floods. Out of these, 3 roads have been fully restored and 75 partially reopened, while 2 roads remain closed. The cost of restoration in Swat is estimated at over Rs 450 million.

In Buner, at least 43 roads were damaged, of which 39 have been partially restored, while 4 remain closed. The rehabilitation of roads in Buner is expected to cost Rs 4.5 billion.

Similarly, in Swabi, 41 roads sustained damage, with 32 still not restored. The estimated cost of repairs in the district stands at Rs 2.76 billion.