MINGORA: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Monday said the people of Kalam valley would get electric supply at half the Wapda price in the next summer after the revival and upgradation of the local hydropower unit.

He was speaking at a public meeting here following the inauguration of work on Kalam and Ashuran hydropower projects.

Provincial Chief Minister Pervez Khattak inaugurated the project by unveiling the plaque.

The two projects dysfunctional since 2008 are to be mostly funded by the European Union. The local population will also contribute funds to them.

Sarhad Rural Development Programme (SRSP) will execute the projects, which were earlier overseen by Small Hydel Development Organisation, recently made Pakhtunkhwa Hydel Development Organisation.

Under the plans, Kalam and Ashuran hydropower units will be functional after upgradation in the next six months and a year respectively.

The PTI chairman told the public meeting that the people were eager to see the change and his party’s government in the province would make it happen soon.

“We’ll soon build a new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.

Mr Imran said the country had secured freedom long ago but had yet to freely take own decisions.

He said the government would introduce a local government system to provide the people in the province with an opportunity to take decisions at local level.

“The local government system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be different from that of other provinces,” he said.

The PTI chairman said the basic aim of the local government system was to empower the people so that they could use development funds and take decisions at local level.

He said he wished to have an international cricket stadium in Kalam.

“If you wish, the provincial government is ready to build a cricket stadium of international standard at Shahi Ground (Kalam). It will help locals show and groom their cricketing talent,” he said.

On the occasion, the chief minister said the government had set the August 30 deadline for end to corruption in its departments in the province.

He said from Sept 1 onwards, he would personally check if there was corruption in government departments, especially police.

“I will visit all districts (in the province) to get information about the performance of the government machinery,” he said.

Mr Khattak said the people should help the government end corruption in its departments.

He said the PTI government would introduce a uniform education in the province by next March, while availability of doctors and other staff in local hospitals would be ensured within a month.

The chief minister said the government would ensure one teacher for 40 students in schools of the province’s hilly areas.

He said the government would hold local government election in the province within five to six months.

“We are working to empower the people so that their representatives in the assembly could focus their attention on legislation,” he said.

Mr Khattak said the government would sign a new agreement with SRSP to generate more electricity in the province.

“We will extend full support to SRSP for small hydropower projects,” he said.

SRSP founder Shoaib Sultan Khan also addressed the meeting.

Earlier, the PTI chairman and the chief minister were briefed about Kalam and Ashuran hydro projects.

According to SRSP chief executive officer Masoodul Mulk, the Kalam hydropower unit will be upgraded from 200 to 400 kilowatts and the Ashuran hydropower unit from 400 kilowatts to one megawatt, while the electricity generated by them will be provided to 3600 local houses and hotels.

Also in the day, the PTI chairman went to the Saidu Teaching Hospital, inquired after dengue patients and asked doctors to provide them with the best medical facilities.