The Federal Minister for Water and Power Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has said that draft of the National Water Policy has been sent to the provinces for their comments and summary in this regard would be presented to the cabinet for approval shortly.
The final decision regarding the construction of one of the two big water reservoirs may be delayed for few months, he added.
He further said that the tariff rationalisation committee would submit its final report on the reduction of power rates to the government this week.
The minister expressed these views while talking to the newsmen after the "International Symposium on Community Based Approaches for Integrated Water Resources management", jointly organised by UNDP, DFID, Rural Support Network and the International Water Institute.
When asked that after providing six months extension to the Technical Committee on Water for submission of report on water availability would the government be able to fulfil its commitment of making final decision for the construction of one of big water reservoirs by June this year, the minister replied that the decision may be delayed for another few months "but it is not a big deal for resolving such a contentious issues of national importance."
However, he said that the feasibility of the Bhasha dam would be ready by June and the government would make final decision after receiving the report of the Technical Committee on water.
Regarding the National Water Policy the minister said that they have finalised the policy and sent it to the provinces for comments before getting approval from the cabinet.
However, the minister was not ready to give any final deadline for the approval of the National Water Policy.
Replying a query pertaining to the report of the Tariff Rationalisation Committee the minister said that the committee would submit its report within five or six days.
When asked about the merger of the PPP (Sherpao) with the PPP Patriots the minister said that "they are now the second largest government party after the Muslim League adding, "it is not alliance for one election as it is a merger and will remain for many elections."
Regarding the nomination of the parliamentary leader of his party after merger he said that the decision regarding this has been taken and "we have already chosen Sher Afgan Khan Niazi as the Parliamentary Leader in the National Assembly.
Earlier, addressing the inaugural session of the symposium Sherpao said, "the government is working to improve the water situation in the country." He added, "socially responsible and participatory water management promotes maximum equity in water distribution and does not compromise the environment."
The minister said that community participation in water management could create better mechanisms for conservation, protection and rationalisation of water use in Pakistan.
On the occasion, Daniyal Aziz, Chairman National Reconstruction Bureau, said "the devolution process provides incentives for community to develop their own water related projects. "Development is a matter of right, not patronage, and can be articulated with social mobilisation."
He also stated that Citizens Community Boards can create water supply and sanitation projects and will be provided financial support under the Local Government Ordinance.
The Devolution Trust for Community Empowerment (DTCE) will work with National Commission for Human Development and the Pakistan Rural Support Network in order to ensure democratic traditions take root and that communities can be mobilised to articulate and act upon their development needs.
"Communities throughout Pakistan have demonstrated a huge willingness to participate actively in local water related development projects."
Onder Yucer, Resident Representative, UNDP, said, "local communities are best equipped to drive sustainable water use practices". Mass awareness and education on efficient water use are needed as a part of a national water management strategy.
Yucer added, "There is a need for an integrated and comprehensive water resources management strategy in the country. The call for such an approach is paramount in the case of Balochistan, which experiences repeated cycles of drought and floods.
"Identification of small to medium sized water projects, including potable water supply, sewerage, wastewater treatment and irrigation that can be implemented at the grass roots level must also be encouraged".
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