20 February 2005	Sunday	10 Muharram 1426

PESHAWAR, Feb 19: Minister of State for Water and Power Amir Muqam has said that construction of large dams is vital for the economic growth and well-being of the people of the country.

"Large dams would enable effective management of water resources for the agriculture sector and enhance the country's power generation capacity which would ultimately benefit the people as they would have to pay less for hydel power," Amir Muqam said while speaking at a function arranged by the Peshawar Electric Supply Company during which certificate for undertaking computer courses were distributed among the children of Wapda employees here on Friday.

He said that new water storage projects were important for the country and would help bring a large area under cultivation. Increase in the area under cultivation would give a boost to the agriculture sector and create more jobs, he added.

"This is the only way to alleviate poverty which is posing a big challenge to the country," the minister said. Mr Muqam appreciated efforts of Pesco staff to maintain power supply to areas hit hard in recent rains and snowfall. He also announced Rs100,000 each for the company's Swat and Hazara circles for distribution among their staff for their performance during the recent spell of rains.