March 08, 2008	Saturday	Safar 29, 1429

MANILA, March 7: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will lend $75 million to improve the water system across the Potohar Plateau near Islamabad, the Manila-based lender said on Friday.

The loan will help in the construction of dams, irrigation canals and drinking water in Potohar, the ADB said in a statement.

The project will increase access to cleaner water and reduce sickness and mortality rates from waterborne diseases for 22,000 farming families and bring irrigation to 11,500 hectares (28,405 acres) of agricultural land.—AFP