QUETTA, Jan 12: Balochistan Governor Amirul Mulk Mengal has announced Rs10 million for Pishin district under the governor’s development package besides Rs36.5 million being granted to the district under the Khushal Pakistan Programme and Rs37.5 million by the provincial government.

Speaking to the Nazims, Naib Nazims, councillors and area notables in Pishin and Khanozai on Saturday, the governor said that under the new system, the responsibilities of development works lie with the district governments and the Nazims and councillors should try not to let the development funds be wasted.

Regarding the area problems and drought, he said the federal and provincial governments had provided Rs900 million and Rs250 million for this purpose. He said a three-phased programme had been launched, under which 72 dams had been constructed, including the Khanozai and Khushdil Khan dams.

He said Rs14 million had been spent on de-silting of Khanozai Dam and Rs40 million had been provided by the provincial government for de-silting of Khushdil Khan Dam, on which the work would be started within two weeks.

Referring to development projects, the governor said 108 Karezes had been de-silted in the province, including 12 in Pishin.

A project for installation of 250 windmills is under consideration, of which 15 would be in Pishin.

“A programme, Drought Emergency Recovery Assistance, is being launched and the federal government has provided Rs400 million for delay action dams, water supply schemes and irrigation projects for rehabilitation in the drought-affected areas,” he said.

About the problems mentioned in the welcome address by District Nazim Dr Gohar Ejaz, the governor said the district would soon be provided two rig machines. He said funds had been provided to the district government for construction of offices and residential facilities.

He stressed that the growers should pay their electricity dues, be frugal in utilising water and adopt modern irrigation techniques.

The governor inaugurated Mala Khel water supply scheme at Bostan, which has been completed in six months at a cost of Rs2.4m under the drought programme. It would provide water to about 200 families. He directed the officials to extend the scheme to Killi Manzaki.—APP