GHALANAI: Construction of Mohmand dam was very important to overcome energy and water crisis in the country, said Wapda Chairman retited Lt Gen Muzamil Hussain.

He along with Wapda General Manager Ijaz Patyani visited the dam site in Pandiali tehsil here on Tuesday. Commander FC Northern Sector Brig Amir Kyanai, Commandant Mohmand Rifles Col Irfan Ali, Deputy Commissioner Wasif Saeed, Assistant Commissioner Tauseef Khalid and local elders were also present on the occasion.

The Wapda chairman was briefed by engineers about the dam. He said that construction of Mohmand Dam was important as it would generate 800 megawatts electricity besides creating job opportunities for the youth.

Wapda chairman says project will generate 800-megawatt electricity

He said that work on the dam would be started in January 2019 that would be completed within five years.

Mr Hussain said that said that he would try his level best to complete construction of the dam as soon as possible. “The chief justice of Pakistan is taking keen interest in construction of Mohmand and Basha dams,” he added.

He said that China and India constructed many dams after their independence. “Pakistan also needs many dams to resolve power loadshedding, water shortage and others issues,” he added.

The dam will irrigate 16,000 acres of land and will increase agricultural produce in the area. It will generate 800 megawatts electricity. The project was approved on April 26, 2018 that will cost Rs309.507 billion. The completion of the project will require 8,668 acres of land mostly in Mohmand tribal district and some parts of Bajaur and Malakand.

An official said that administration of Mohmand tribal district had held several meetings with Wapda authorities and Fata Secretariat about the land acquisition process.

“A land acquisition committee was notified on June 6, 2018. The additional deputy commissioner of Mohmand has been made focal person for the project to streamline the activities,” he said.

The official said that the administration of Mohmand tribal district had proposed a land acquisition cell for liaison with the tribal elders. The cell will help in the land acquisition process and payment to the landowners.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2018