The NWFP Governor, Owais Ahmed Ghani on Saturday directed Fata Development Authority to accelerate the work on mega development project in FATA saying that timely completion of these projects was necessary for speedy socio-economic development in the tribal areas.
Presiding over a presentation on different development projects under the FDA at Governor's House, the Governor said that the government wished to see every social sector in Fata progressing with fast pace. 'All the related department and organisations will have to improve their performance and speed up the implementation process,' he urged.
The Governor said the living condition of tribesmen could be changed through enhanced economic activities in Fata, creation of job and other income opportunities for the people of tribal areas. 'We want things to move fast for which we need to change our approach,' he said and added 'We have to create an environment wherein the people can participate in the development process and they could feel the ownership of development projects".
In the presentation progress on different development projects of FDA were highlighted. These projects included the Women Skill Development Centres, Skill Development programmes for tribal youth, small dam projects, mineral development and projects relating to industries and tourism. It was stated that perspective planning for 120 small dams in Fata had been prepared including 30 sites placed in the 'A' category.
Under two different ADP projects, study of feasibility of 38 small dam projects were to be carried out, whereas feasibility of multi-purpose Bara dam had been completed. Work on this dam will be taken in hand, once its design is finalised. It was further stated that maximum number sites for small dams were available in North and South Waziristan Agencies, which was 33 and 25 respectively. Further, work on Gandao dam in Mohmand Agency will start in October this year and will be completed by November 2011.