September 13, 2003	Saturday	Rajab 15, 1424

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QUETTA, Sept 12: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Yousuf has said that water reservoirs would be constructed in various parts of the province to protect people from devastation caused by floods and hill torrents.

Speaking at a public gathering in Bela on Friday, the chief minister said the government would protect the people by adopting measures for flood control.

Jam Yousuf said reservoirs and dams would ensure availability of water both for drinking and irrigation purposes in all parts of Balochistan. He pointed out that 41 mega projects had been launched all related to development of water resources for which financial and technical help had been sought from the federal government.

He said both President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali had provided Rs50 million each for the relief operation for the flood-affected people of Balochistan.

Besides, the provincial government would also contribute funds to provide maximum relief to the flood-affected people without any discrimination.

The chief minister said the assistance received from the World Bank and other agencies for the drought-affected people would be spent judiciously.

He said all districts of Balochistan had been included in the schemes for providing relief to the drought-affected people. Under these schemes Karez would be repaired, dams would be constructed, roads and water supply schemes would be undertaken.

Referring to the Khushal Pakistan Programme, Jam Yousuf said the government would ensure supply of electricity to villages under this scheme.

Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani, District Nazim Lasbela Jam Kamal, Deputy Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly Aslam Bhootani and MNA Pir Abdul Qadir Gilani were also present on the occasion.