KOHAT, July 27: Kohat District Coordination Officer Arshad Majeed Mohmand has said that the development projects announced by NWFP Governor Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai will usher in an era of prosperity and change the identity of Darra Adamkhel, which is known for its illegal weapons manufacturing business.

Talking to Dawn on Thursday, he said the governor during his visit to Darra Adamkhel had expressed happiness over the resolution of the coalmines dispute among tribes and resumption of work there.

He said when all the 42 coalmine sites in the area were developed the daily income from them could reach Rs3 million.

He coal reserves had also been discovered in Zarghunkhel, Samikhel and Tor Chappar areas and talks were in progress with mining companies to start commercial production there.

Inaugurating the coalmines in Akhurwal area on Wednesday, the governor urged tribesmen to ensure a peaceful environment so that the government could utilise billions of rupees earmarked for the development of tribal areas.

He announced that geological surveys would be conducted throughout the tribal region and a long-term policy would be devised for establishment of industries to overcome poverty.

The governor announced extension of gas supply from Kohat to Darra Adamkhel, Orakzai and Kurram Agencies and Frontier Region of Peshawar.

He approved establishment of a 132kv grid station, fire brigade, link road and other facilities for the mines and a number of wells, tubewells and hand pumps for various areas of the Kohat Frontier Region.

He said the jirga system would be strengthened in the tribal areas.