A 10.5 km of road from Chakdara to Madyan in Swat is being built under the MDTF-financed Emergency Roads Recovery Projects (ERRP). The road was damaged in the aftermath of the crisis in KP. Rahim ul Hadi, a resident of Swat recalls, "The old road was built more than 60 years ago by the British. When we travel the only problem we face is because of the bad road conditions which make it very difficult for us to go anywhere in this area".

Almost 50 percent complete, the new road is expected to be ready ahead of the estimated time and will benefit around 300,000 people.  Year round access and mobility, improved traffic flow with reduced vehicle operating costs and travel time are among the many benefits anticipated by the community.

Through MDTF support, not only will this 10.5 km stretch of road become an all-weather road, but it will also likely help improve access of residents to markets to sell their produce, enhance trade and increase economic activity. Rahim expresses the happiness of the residents, "I am very happy that the government is building this road. It will greatly help the local population to regain access to markets, hospitals and improve the travelling conditions making it easy for us to commute.  This will change our lives."

Umara Khan, a local land owner and transporter, reflects on how this road will be good for business and the local economy: "This is a less developed area of the country and local villagers face a lot of difficulties in finding transportation.  Building of this road will ensure they have access to transportation. I run a transport business so I will get more customers and it will increase my income. I am very happy about it. I also think we can have a local sabzi mundi (vegetable market) where the farmers will be able to come easily and sell their produce.  It will enable them to earn more money and much more easily."

The project has aligned its activities with the Government of KP, the PCNA and other donor interventions. Consequently, it is expected to increase livelihood opportunities, provide better access to markets, hospitals and schools and thus be a building block towards an economically vibrant Swat.