Kharasha Nala Road Project in Balochistan: Millions Disappear, Construction Delayed Due to Alleged Corruption

Khuzdar:The construction of the Kharasha Nala Road, a crucial project in the Goni-Greshah area of Khuzdar, has become a symbol of inefficiency and alleged corruption, despite millions of rupees being allocated for its development. The road, often referred to as the “Bermuda Triangle” of Balochistan due to the mysterious disappearance of funds, has yet to see significant progress.

According to local sources, the road project, part of the larger China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, has faced consistent delays and mismanagement since its inception. In 2017, over 22 crore rupees were approved for a 35-kilometer stretch of the road from Goni-Greshah. However, the funds were largely misappropriated, with contractors and officials reportedly colluding to pocket a significant portion of the allocated money. As a result, the project stalled after only basic earthwork was completed.

In recent months, an additional 82 crore rupees were allocated for the continuation of the project, but once again, the progress has been minimal. The contract was awarded to a new contractor, who reportedly handed over the work to a sub-contractor. Despite the earthwork already being completed, the new contractor, with the alleged backing of the Executive Engineer of the Department of Communications, has failed to carry out the required work. The contractor is said to have collected payments and then abandoned the project.

Locals, including political, social, and tribal leaders, are now voicing their frustration. Jafar Sajdi, a prominent leader from the region, stated, “The government allocates the funds, but as soon as the project is handed to contractors, they show their machinery for a few days and then disappear. The first round of 22 crore rupees was misused by the contractors and officials, and now, 82 crore rupees have been allocated, but the work remains stagnant. The earthwork done is substandard, and the pipes brought for water drainage are of poor quality.”

Sajdi further questioned the rationale behind citing security concerns as an excuse to delay the project, pointing out that major infrastructure projects, such as the 220KV power line from Goni-Greshah to Mashkay, had been completed without security issues. He emphasized that the road construction has become a matter of corruption, with the public being deprived of the basic facility of a proper road.

“People in other areas are enjoying the benefits of better roads, while our region remains neglected. We cannot even reach the hospital or city in emergencies. This is a deliberate attempt to withhold our rights, driven by corruption. If the road is not completed soon, we will take to the streets with protests and even a long march from Nala to Quetta to demand accountability,” Sajdi warned.

The local population, fed up with the ongoing delays and the misuse of public funds, is now contemplating further action, including protests and sit-ins, to ensure that the project is completed. They have called for an independent investigation into the matter and for the immediate replacement of the current contractors to ensure the proper execution of the project.

As of now, the road remains incomplete, and the residents of Goni-Greshah continue to suffer without proper access to essential services and infrastructure.