LAHORE, July 30: Wapda Chairman Tariq Hamid has said the authority has allocated Rs16 billion for water sector projects during the current financial year.

Speaking at a meeting of the water wing at the Wapda House here on Friday, he said project managers should ensure completion of all projects in time.

He was informed that work on the mobilization process on Mangla Dam Raising Project had almost completed and physical work would commence by the end of August. A sum of Rs1.85 billion had been disbursed among the affectees of the project.

Work on a new city and four towns for their settlement was expected to commence by December. He was informed that the third and last test of Pehur High Level Canal was in progress, and it would be handed over to the NWFP government on completion of the test.

The Left Bank Out fall Canal Drain was also nearing completion and installation of 444 drainage tube wells for Mirpur Khas would be completed by December. Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project had generated 5.5 billion power units worth Rs22 billion till date.

The participants in the meeting reviewed progress of work on Gomal Zam Dam, Sabakzai Dam, Kurram Tangi Dam, Mirani Dam, Hub Dam, Akhori Dam, Khwar Hydropower, Chashma Right Bank Canal, Chashma Lift-cum-Gravity Canal, Right Bank Outfall Drain 1, 2 and 3, Sehwan Barrage Complex, Kachi Canal, Rainee Canal, Greater Thal Canal and other projects.