KARACHI, Oct 1: The Defence Housing Authority’s executive board has given approval to the installation of another identical three mgd add-on desalination plant unit, which would produce a combined output of six mgd potable water to cater to the present and future water needs of the DHA.

The decision was made in a meeting chaired by the Commander 5-Corps and President of the board, Lt-Gen Syed Athar Ali, on Friday, said a handout.

The board also reviewed the progress of ongoing mega projects in the DHA and took some important strategic and administrative decisions.

The board was informed that work on the desalination plant was under way in line with the stipulated time frame.

Civil works at the site have already been initiated while the erection and installation of a manufactured desalination unit and power unit would start early next year. The plant will start operation in Nov 2006, it was stated.

The corps commander stressed the need for strict compliance with the time schedule while maintaining strict technical standards. He said the desalination project’s completion at the earliest was essential to overcome the acute water shortage in the DHA.

The executive board was further informed that the ongoing revamping work in the DHA Phase-I would be completed by the end of this year while the revamping and repair of the entire civic infrastructure in phase-IV would also start in this fiscal year.—PPI