MANSEHRA: Deputy commissioner of Upper Kohistan district Arif Khan Yousafzai on Thursday said the administration had begun the acquisition of over 9,000 acres of land for Dasu hydropower project.

Mr Yousafzai told reporters on Thursday that Upper Kohistan district, where the project was being executed, was an unsettled area as far as the land was concerned, so after assuming the office almost a month ago, he had ensured the settlement of all land issues with the help of the local jirga.

He said the administration had acquired 730 acres of land leading to the start of work.

The deputy commissioner said the Dasu project would improve the socioeconomic conditions of the residents and help address power shortage in the country.

REPAIR OF FIRE TENDERS: Assistant commissioner of Oghi tehsil Mohammad Shojeen Wistro has ordered the tehsil municipal administration to repair fire tenders without delay and ensure they are in working order to control fires.

During a meeting, which reviewed the recent fire incident and faulty fire tenders, the AC said the administration won’t accept any excuse for fire engines being not in working condition in future and would take action against the relevant officials.

He said a mock exercise would be held soon to check the performance of fire tenders and build the capacity of firefighters.

Meanwhile, barbers in Oghi tehsil have announced that they will no more close shops on Mondays and will work all through the week to meet growing expenses.

The announcement was made by the barber association’s leader, Ashfaq Khan, after a meeting. Mr Ashfaq said the barbers in Mansehra city had already stopping taking a day off every week.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2019