MANSEHRA: Commissioner of Hazara division Zaheerul Islam has assured the people of Kohistan that they will get jobs in the 4300 megawatts Dasu hydropower project.

“This mega dam guarantees your prosperity, so you should cooperate with the district administration in acquiring land and handling other issues for the timely completion of the energy project,” Mr Islam told a jirga of elders in Shitial area of Upper Kohistan district on Saturday.

The commissioner said the Dasu hydropower project would help address electricity shortage in the country.

He said a World Bank team recently visited the project site and sought early land acquisition.

Hazara commissioner seeks people’s help for land acquisition

“The provincial government is sincerely working for the people’s development. Major development projects are being approved for Kohistan to improve their life,” he said.

Mr Islam said the government was upgrading health and education facilities in Kohistan region to the benefit of people.

“I request people to send both daughters and sons to schools as uneducated children won’t benefit from the mega energy projects being undertaken in the region,” he said.

The committee of Dasu dam-affected people complained about low rate offered for land acquired for dam, poor health and educational facilities, dilapidated roads, power outages, and other problems.

The commissioner promised the early resolution of their problems.

SECURITY PROMISED: DIG of Hazara police Mohammad Ali Babakhel on Saturday said Chinese engineers and labourers working on Suki Kanari hydropower project in Kaghan valley would be provided with foolproof security.

“Besides serving our national cause, you’re our guests as well, so we will ensure your foolproof security,” Mr Babakhel told Chinese engineers and labourers during a function in Malkundi area of Kaghan valley on Saturday.

The DIG said the Suki Kanari dam being built on the Kunhar River under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project was the only initiative in the energy sector of KP and therefore, the police were providing high security to those working on it.

“This mega project will help address the national power shortfall and improve the quality of life in Kaghan valley,” he said.

The Chinese engineers briefed Mr Babakhel and accompanying district police officer Zaibullah Khan about the project and said it would be completed within the stipulated time.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2019