President may announce mega water, power projects on August 14

President General Pervez Musharraf is likely to make an important announcement on construction of mega water and power projects on August 14.
The Planning Commission and other concerned authorities will brief the president on various development projects, including the proposed Bhasha Dam on Wednesday.
Sources told Business Recorder here on Tuesday that the president would be given a detailed briefing about 20 mega water, one power and a number of others projects, which are underway in fuel, coal, communication, physical planning and housing sectors.
The sources said Punjab has informed the federal government that the possible construction of Bhasha Dam should not be considered as substitute to the proposed Kalabagh Dam upon which Sindh and the NWFP have serious reservations.
However, the president's possible announcement may include "harsh decision" on the otherwise 'controversial' water projects, including Kalabagh Dam. At least, two or three mega water and power projects are required to be launched immediately in order to avert possible "acute shortage" of water and electricity in future.
Sources said Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Akram Sheikh would brief the president about development projects. The concerned ministers will also attend the briefing, which was scheduled for August 7, but was postponed.
The sources said the president might convene a meeting in future so that he could know the exact situation about the execution of the projects.
The Planning Commission deputy chairman is expected to inform the president about the water and power reservoirs.
The briefing will also cover small reservoirs proposed by the provinces, including around 40 in Balochistan, 12 in NWFP and five each in Punjab and Sindh.
President Musharraf will also be informed about the Mangla Dam raising, Gomal Zam Dam, Mirani Dam, Sabakzai Dam, Satpara Dam and other ongoing projects, which will cost around Rs 84,434 million.
In the communication sector, the president would be informed about the Makran Coastal Road, Lyari Expressway, Karachi, Northern Bypass, Indus Highway project, Lowari Tunnel, improvement of Karakoram Highway, Peshawar-Torkham Expressway and other ongoing projects.
The president will also be informed about N-5 Highway rehabilitation project, improvement of Quetta Western Bypass, Lakpass Tunnel and other projects approved under this year's Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
The president will also be briefed on Gwadar Deep Sea Port, Deepening Channel of Gwadar Port, installation of gantry cranes, development of Gwadar Fish Harbour, Pakistan transport plan study and other projects as the government has enhanced the volume of the PSDP from Rs 152 billion to Rs 202 billion where the improvement of infrastructure was given significant importance.