Mangla raising as per schedule: Sherpao

Federal Minister for Water and Power, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said Mangla Raising Project worth about Rs 63 billion would begin on schedule from May this year after the completion of all necessary requirements.
Talking to APP here on Saturday the minister said this project would provide an opportunity to increase water storage capacity at the dam aimed at meeting water requirement in the times to come.
AJK government will get a payment of more than Rs 750 million from Wapda annually in four equal instalments as royalty, net profit and water use charges of Mangla Dam on regular basis, he said.
"Wapda has already started payment to AJK government from June last year according to agreement reached between Federal Government, AJK government and Wapda regarding the Mangla Raising Project," he said.
The high powered committee for this Project has decided to hold its meetings on regular basis to discuss the progress of various decisions taken by the committee time to time aimed at speeding up implementation of developmental schemes relating to Mangla Raising Project including survey for New Mirpur City along with four Model Towns and construction as well as upgradation of five grid stations in various parts of the AJK.
A directive has already been issued to all concerned departments to enhance co-operation with each others aimed at accelerating resettlement plan including compensation as well as rehabilitation of affected families, he said.
The minister said.
"I have asked Wapda authorities to submit progress report about the project about tendering awarding process besides other plans.
It may be mentioned here that 10 joint ventures have been pre-qualified by Wapda and issued tender documents of them.
Tender awarding process would be completed by April this year after finalising all official formalities according to specifications, standard as well as criteria put by Wapda having sufficient consideration as per MoU reached between the government of Pakistan, AJK government and Wapda.
According to the Ministry of Wapda, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao expressed his dissatisfaction over the developmental schemes for AJK by Wapda through Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) for the construction as well as upgradation of grid stations in various parts of AJK.
The minister has directed Wapda officials to start construction of Dodial and Chhattarpari grid stations on priority basis along with construction of Dharn Gali bridge.
According to agreement, Wapda will be responsible to construct this bridge with the cost of about Rs 200 million.
It may be mentioned here that the Federal Government has already allocated Rs 3000 million for Mangla Raising Project in the budget for current financial year.