NWFP Senior Minister for Local Govt and Rural Development Bashir Ahmad Bilour has expressed his annoyance over the lack of tourist facilities in the scenic Abbotabad valley, Gallyat and Mansehra.

He was chairing a meeting on performance of Mansehra, Abbottabad and Galyat Development Authorities here at the Conference Room of Civil Secretariat.

Directors of the Authorities and other officials concerned apprised the minister of the performance and achievements of their respective organizations and the problems being faced by them. Secretary LG&RD Hifzur Rehman was also present on the occasion.

The minister directed the authorities to expedite work on the developmental schemes, ensure a judicious and transparent use of funds and complete the ongoing projects on time. He, while taking exception to the ignorance of the officials about some details of the projects, directed the authorities to attend the meetings in full preparation so that better and effective steps could be taken in the larger public interest.

He asked the authorities to spend more time and personally supervise the developmental schemes rather than sit in their offices. He directed them to focus on infrastructure improvement, particularly of roads and the water supply, in the scenic areas of Hazara so that it could directly benefit the locals and the areas become more attractive for the tourists. Bashir Bilour also issued directives to initiate effective steps for welfare of the quake-affected people in these areas.