MUZAFFARABAD, Oct 15: The Azad Kashmir Development Working Party (DWP) approved construction of 28 colleges and 66 high schools in Azad Kashmir at a cost of Rs756.33 million.

This was stated by AJK Additional Chief Secretary Development (ACSD) Mohammad Yousuf while briefing media men after the DWP meeting here on Saturday.

Speaking about new development projects in various sectors, which came under consideration at the DWP meeting, he said Rs476.64 million had been approved for construction, purchase of land and other things for 28 colleges, adding Rs279.69 million are being spent for the purchase of land, other things and construction of 66 high schools.

He said that for these schemes land would be purchased in the earthquake-hit districts, whereas construction work will be carried out under the ERRA construction work plan, adding in the non-affected districts, the measures for the acquisition of land and construction work would be taken under the Annual Development Programme. The ACS Development said that the DWP meeting also considered a project of Rs18.51 million for Wildlife and Fisheries and fishing in the Mangla Lake and for the protection of water life.

He said the meeting gave approval for two Information Technology (IT) projects of Rs65.98 million , under these projects computer laboratories will be set up in 15 higher secondary schools, while websites will be launched for the AJK PM Secretariat and ministers offices with automation facilities information about the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Captain (retd) Mohammad Yousuf said that the AJK Tourism Department would install chair lifts and cable cars at five tourists points in Azad Kashmir saying Rs5.9 million were approved for the preparation of feasibility, saying Peer Chinasi, Neela Butt, Banjosa, and Mangla sites came up under consideration.

He said private firms would be invited to make investments in the installation of cable cars and chair lifts in these areas as the government will provide every possible help and cooperation in this regard.

Two schemes of Rs98.80 million in the works sector were brought under consideration for the construction and betterment of eight-km Dheerkot-Neela Butt road and from the main road to the Prime Minister’s House Ghaziabad in Dheerkot, he added.

He said all the new buildings to be built would be constructed quake-resistant and earthquake-proof saying efforts will be made to complete all the schemes in five months time.

He further said Rs37.3 million would be spent on the construction location to be constructed at the AJK Prime Minister Secretariat in Muzaffarabad for web site as 20 rooms for ministers will also be constructed in the locality with video conference facility.

ACS said that due to delay some schemes had been deferred, which he said would be taken up and approved in the next meeting being held on Nov 15.—APP