Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi on Tuesday while presiding over a meeting on Mangla Dam project to review the progress asked Wapda to ensure fool proof security arrangements for foreigners and locals working on Mangla Dam raising project and other dams.
He directed that steps should be taken with the help of concerned authorities to make sure security of foreign personnel working on these mega projects.
He also directed for transparent and complete implementation of resettlement package for the victims of Mangla Dam project. The minister also directed that the project must be completed within the prescribed time frame, which is September 2007.
He also stated that proposals of AJK government should be given top priority in this regard. The old victims should also be compensated after proper verification to ensure fair implementation, he added.
Earlier, Chairman Wapda briefed the minister on the progress of Mangla Dam project and stated that package is being implemented fairly and work has been started.
He said that fishing contract rights have been given to AJK government and water use charges are also being paid to AJK under the package. Construction of temporary facilities in five work areas is almost 50 percent completed. He said that Rs 26 billion has been allocated for resettlement package and the amount for old victims has been transferred to the AJK government. He also apprised the minister about the status of various matters of resettlement package and ensured proper and long-term implementation.
In another meeting, the minister reviewed the progress of Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project and asked Wapda to finalise the report on its progress and submit to the ministry. The billion rupees project of 969 mw is located in AJK and would be completed within eight years.
The meetings were attended by secretary water and power, special secretary, chairman Wapda, MD PPIB, member water, and senior officials of Wapda and the ministry.