Stressing on the need to maintain and protect roads and bridges, Minister for Public Works Naeem Akhtar today said that hassle free operation of public assets will not only give fillip to economy but also enhance efficiency of delivery of basic amenities.The Minister was speaking to people after laying the foundation stone of Foot bridge to be built on Jhelum at Fish Market in Baramulla. The much awaited foot bridge with a span of 110 metres will be built at a cost of Rs 4.8 crores. The Minister directed the executing agency to complete the bridge by next year. The Minister was accompanied by MLA Javed Hassan Beigh, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr Nasir Naqash, Chief Engineer PMGSY and other officials.The Minister later inaugurated 1X30 metre span steel trussed bridge over Nallah Mundri at Adoora. The bridge has been built at a cost of Rs 3.33 crores and will benefit a large population. While addressing a public the Minister called on the people to cooperate with government in its delivery of services. The Minister said that the area is famous for its fruit and better roads and bridges will decrease their distance to market. He called on the youth to innovate with the products that are in abundance in Kashmir and brand them as a niche commodity. He said that every apple or a litre of milk produced in Kashmir can fetch manifold their rate if only people use modern technology and add value to them.The Minister also laid foundation stone of 1X25.20 M span plate girder bridge over Nallah Saisri at Wahdina Banday Payeen Baramulla. The Minister directed the officials to ensure the completion of the bridge in nine months. He said that it will go a long way in connecting the two large areas.Taking strong note of encroachments on road at various places, the Minister called on the officials to strictly deal with such unscrupulous elements and prevent such encroachments at every cost. He said that the roads are for the greater good of people and public needs to take its ownership by not allowing its damage and encroachment.