December 24, 2001	Monday	Shawwal 8, 1422

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YICHANG, Dec 23: President Gen Pervez Musharraf visited on Sunday here the under-construction site of one of the biggest dams of the world.

The president and members of his entourage, who arrived here after a day-long stay in Xian, went round various portions of the dam, which is considered the eighth wonder of the world.

The dam, to be built at the cost of $24 billion by 2009, will produce about 2,000mw electricity, besides meeting irrigation requirements and controlling floods in the area.

Talking to APP after the visit, President Musharraf said the project was a reflection of outstanding human endeavour. It, he said, also showed the great skill of the Chinese engineers as well as the dedication and commitment of the Chinese people.

He said it was a unique privilege for him to visit the site and know about the achievements of the Chinese people. He added that his government would learn from the experience of the Chinese brothers, particularly for construction and expansion of Bhasha and Tarbela dams.

During a briefing about the project, the president was informed that about 1.2 million people would be displaced due to the construction of the gigantic project, and that the affected people were prepared to face some difficulties for getting the benefits of the dam.

The project, which does not involve any foreign aid, is being fully designed and constructed by the Chinese themselves.