Sindh Assembly Deputy Speaker Raheela Tiwana said that she had some reservations about Kalabagh dam but did not reject the project out-rightly.
However, a Technical Committee comprising technocrats and experts of irrigation system had started work to remove the shortcomings of the project, she added.
Talking to newsmen here on Tuesday, she said that water reservoirs and dams are the need of the hour, "because we are facing severe shortage of irrigation and drinking water" for several years due to dry spell. She said that "we will not support this gigantic project at the cost of Sindh people's interest".
She lauded President Musharraf's water and agriculture reforms and said that he had for the first time resolved the critical water issue through 'Vision-2025' and developing alternative water resources in the shape of modernising the irrigation channels and watercourses which would solve the water scarcity problem.
Raheela, a former Sindh PSF leader, said that President Musharraf "is a moderate army general" with his deep commitments towards strengthening democracy which would promote an enlightened and progressive Pakistan.
She said that Sindh Chief Minister Ghulam Rahim would decide the matter of Kalabagh dam in the larger national interest and the people of Sindh.
She out-rightly rejected the project of Greater Thal Canal and said it was being constructed to protect military lands. She said that water from this canal must be supplied to all people without any discrimination..
The Sindh deputy speaker, referring to President Musharraf's agriculture reforms, said that Rs 66 billion would be spent on the lining of 86,000 watercourses in the next four years to strengthen the growers class.
At least 600 bulldozers would be provided to farmers for land development in the next three years besides reducing 10 percent to 20 percent customs duty on import of tractors and exemption from sales tax and withholding income tax to encourage tractor manufacturers locally.
She said that withdrawal of powers for arresting defaulters under land revenue law and lowering of mark-up by ZTBL were steps to benefit the growers.
She said she revolted against 'dictatorship' in PPP and left the party because PPP leadership, including Benazir Bhutto, did not accept PSF revolutionary and democratic cadre in the party. "In fact, we revolted against criminals and their politics in the party", she added.
While supporting the establishment of National Security Council, she said it would provide a checks and balances environment to the democratic political system and closing the way of military intervention on permanent basis.
She said that removal of Hadood Ordinance was being considered seriously, to ensure protection for women at all levels, and added that the abuse of karo-kari would be rooted out with an iron hand.
She also inaugurated a tool launching of San Jing, a Chinese biological and electronic instrument for health, being introduced in collaboration with China in private sector. Dr Syed Riaz Ali and others were also present on the occasion.
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