RAWALPINDI, Dec 2: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has directed the departments concerned to speed up installation of water purification plants throughout the country for the supply of safe drinking water to the masses.

The president issued the orders during a presentation on “Clean drinking water for all” project by the Ministry of Industries, Production and Special Initiatives here on Saturday.

He said the government had allocated Rs8 billion for the clean water project to stop the spread of water-borne diseases.

President Musharraf directed early installation of plants in high-density population areas.

He also directed regular monitoring to evaluate and ensure the quality of the filtered water.

The president was briefed on the project under which water purification plants would be installed in every tehsil of the country.

The federal and provincial governments were coordinating for the timely completion of the project.

President Musharraf said the provincial governments would be responsible for the maintenance and operation of the plants. Tehsil municipal administrations would provide operational support and ensure smooth running of the plants.