Map 3.1 Shigar Oasis - Freie Universität Berlin

However, a high level of contentment with the cooperation between STMS and AKCSP can
be observed on both sides. In contrast to this mutually beneficial relationship, the cooperation
with the local administration seems problematic. For instance, complaints about not including
suggestions in actual planning as a policy of the STMS could be heard. Overall, a
lack of competence, regarding appropriate investment of funds, especially in lower levels of
administration, must be stated.
Another important change regarding traffic infrastructure was the upgrade of the main road
by the GoP, which was finished in 2003. In this context, the road leading from Skardu to Shigar
was completely metalled up to the village of Xserdrong (Annex A, Map 3.1). This upgrade
had correspondingly effects on the traffic in Shigar and especially between Skardu and Shigar.
Thus, interviews with share-taxi drivers have revealed that traffic volume has approximately
quadrupled since 2003. Furthermore, travel time from Shigar to Skardu has decreased
from up to two hours before 2003 to approximately 40 minutes today. Additionally, it
is now possible to use cars and vans instead of four-wheel drives. Already more than 50% of
the current road network can be used by these on-road vehicles (Annex A, Map 3.1). The
traffic observation showed that after only five years, on-road vehicles reached a share of
50% of traffic nowadays (Figure 3.2). In addition, reduced travel time and increased reliability
of the connection offer new possibilities of mobility. Since then, residents of Shigar Proper
can commute daily to work in Skardu. Referring to information gained from share-taxi drivers,
commuters have a share of more than 50% of the passengers by now. Based on the traffic
observation, this would be more than 150 persons per day. Furthermore, there is now the
possibility to offer day trips for tourists from Skardu to Shigar, especially to Shigar Fort. Also
a faster and more reliable supply, especially in the field of medical care, can be stated.
Figure 3.2 Means of transportation used in Shigar
Source: Survey by Altenkirch & Wrede 2008
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