August 16, 2006	Wednesday	Rajab 20, 1427

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window).

DERA GHAZI KHAN, Aug 15: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi announced on Tuesday Rs2 billion for the construction of Nishter Ghat bridge which had been a long-standing demand of the people.

The announcement was made at a public meeting in Rajanpur where the chief minister had gone to announce compensation package for the flood-affected people. The project to be carried out between Rahim Yar Khan and Kot Mithan would take off this year, he said.

He also paid a visit to the affected areas in Dera Ghazi Khan and Layyah. At the latter place, he said Rs2.5 billion was being spent on the Thal Canal remodelling which would augment the water discharge to 2,600 cusecs from the current 1,800 cusecs for Layyah, Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar and parts of Muzaffargarh.

He also announced Rs100 million for the upgrade of the irrigation network, Rs50 million for the homeless, besides five-marla plots for those who had lost shelter in the recent flood. A 12.5-acre each agricultural land too had been announced for the people in Layyah and Rajanpur.

Speaking to a big gathering at Mauza Gujja Baharsial, about 30 kilometres from DG Khan, he announced five-marla plots for the villagers. He said the natural calamity had affected a number of villages along the river Indus.

Saying that the government would fully support the flood-hit people, he announced exemption from abiana (water cess) and postponement of return of agricultural loans.

The Punjab government, he said, would facilitate and compensate the villagers for which he directed the district administration to assess the damage caused by the flood. He said the issue of extension of agricultural loans and waiving the interest would be taken up with the prime minister.

He said the affected community would be provided free ration and other necessities of life.

In order to protect the area from floods in future, he said three spurs would be constructed. A mega project of the supply of clean drinking water and sewerage system had already started in Dera Ghazi Khan at a cost of Rs700 million.

He said the DHQ hospital was being provided with 250 additional beds. On the demand of MPA Muhammad Khan Leghari, he said patrol post and police picket would be set up in this riverine area to check the Bosan Gang activities. The area would also have a basic health unit, primary school and veterinary hospital.

The chief minister announced Rs2 million for the building of the Dera Ghazi Khan press club.

It is pertinent to mention that it was the chief minister’s first visit to the Dera Ghazi Khan tehsil after election of the ruling party office-bearers. Tehsil nazim Mahmood Qadir Leghari was conspicuous by absence.

Our Rajanpur correspondent adds the chief minister also paid a visit to the Rojhan tehsil’s Omarkot area where he announced the same facilities, including the plots, for the affected people.