Work on two newly constructed degree colleges in Dhok Syedan have been in doldrums for the last eight years, evoking strong resentment from the residents, especially the youth, who have to travel miles to reach colleges in town.
The two degree colleges were approved eight years ago but work on the structures has been going-on at a snail’s pace because of the negligence of provincial and district officials and elected representatives.
During the first three years, Rs42 million was spent on the projects but no funds were allocated in the subsequent years and the schemes were also overlooked in the fiscal budget 2015-16.
Moreover, drug peddlers and stray dogs have chosen the under-construction building of the colleges as permanent abodes
Area residents said that the PML-N government has been indifferent to completion of projects because former Punjab chief minister Pervez Elahi had laid the foundation stone of the two colleges.
As a result, the area has no degree college and parents have to send their children to cities to pursue higher studies.
The residents have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to direct the officials to earmark funds for completion of work on the two incomplete projects.