SARGODHA, April 29: Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has announced a special grant of Rs1 billion for water supply and sewerage facilities in Khushab, besides several other projects for districts nearby.

He also promised to provide Rs1.2 billion for road projects in Khushab.

Speaking at a public meeting in Khushab, about 40 kilometres from here, on Friday afternoon, he also announced Rs100 million for development of hilly area and construction of dyke in Jaura Kalan along the Jhelum to control erosion.

A bridge would be constructed between Noorpur Thal, which is the tehsil headquarters of Khushab, and Shergarh to shorten the distance, he said. He also announced residential colonies for lawyers and labourers in Jauharabad, in addition to construction of a hospital for labourers in Khushab.

The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to upgrade hospitals in various towns. He earmarked Rs500,000 each for press clubs of Khushab and Noorpur Thal and bar associations of Noorpur Thal and Jauharabad.

He said a survey of calamity-hit area would be carried out after which farmers would not only be allowed a waiver, but also given special grant.

Earlier, the CM inaugurated a carpet road from Khushab to Quaidabad and visited a technical education centre in Juaharabad where he distributed free books among the students and announced Rs1.5 million for expansion of building and purchase of equipment.

A grant of Rs1 million would be given for special education, said the chief minister, who also distributed 32 hearing aids among special children. Besides, he directed the launch of MA classes at the Jauharabad Degree College.

Pervaiz Elahi called upon the leaders and workers of the PML factions to forge unity, as they have to counter the PPP and the PML-N.

He said the PML’s landslide victory in the local-body elections would pave way for success in the general elections scheduled to be held in 2007.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to raise the standard of education in the province, he said at least Rs10 billion would be spent on improving the literacy rate in a decade or so.

KILLED: A man was killed by three highwaymen, who also took away his motorcycle and Rs50,000 in cash near Satellite Town Jamia mosque late Thursday night. The deceased was identified as Muhammad Tariq Mughal. Area police have registered a case.