January 7, 2003	Tuesday	Ziqa’ad 3, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: Water and Power Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Monday assured Balochistan and Northern Areas that Mirani, Sabakzai and Satpara dams would be completed in time to meet irrigation requirements and provide infrastructure facilities to the people of far-flung areas.

The minister extended the assurance to Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yousaf and a delegation led by Northern Areas Deputy Chief Executive Fida Mohammad Nashad, who met him separately on Monday.

Sherpao assured the chief minister that more villages in Balochistan would get power supply through the village electrification programme next year.

He said the completion of ongoing projects, such as Mirani and Sabakzai dams would be completed in time and they would bring prosperity and development for the people of the province.

The chief minister apprised Sherpao of the problems of the province, particularly the lack of electricity supply to far-flung areas.

“Real development is possible with the availability of proper infrastructure and utilities, such as electricity and gas,” Jam Yousaf said.

Sherpao and Jam Yousaf showed their satisfaction over the formation and performance of the federal and provincial governments.

The minister told a delegation of Northern Areas Legislative Council that President Gen Pervez Musharraf would perform ground-breaking of Satpara dam shortly and the prime minister would visit the area to sympathise with affected people of last year’s earthquake.

“A summary regarding relief activities in the Northern Areas earthquake hit areas shall be sent to the prime minister, who would visit the area soon,” an official statement said.

The minister assured the delegation that more tents would be provided for the affected people and education curriculum for the Northern Areas would be prepared with the consensus of the stakeholders.

The delegation comprised Fida Nashad and NALC Speaker Saib Khan.

They told the minister about the problems and rehabilitation requirements of the people who were displaced from areas adjacent to the Line of Control.

The minister said relief efforts for the tremor affected areas would be speeded up.

He said participation of the NALC members in development schemes would be ensured.

#SATPARA DAM:#/ The Water and Power Development Authority had completed preparations for construction of the Satpara dam, including pre-qualification of the contractors, sources said. The dam would cost Rs2.9 billion and generate 12 megawatt electricity.