FAISALABAD, July 17: The issue of installation of tubewells along the Jhang Branch Canal for the supply of potable water was resolved following an understanding between all the stakeholders.

The decision was taken at a meeting of opposition members of the Punjab Assembly, notables of the area, Wasa officials and the district Nazim held here with Punjab Minister for Housing and Urban Development Syed Ali Raza Gilani in the chair on Saturday.

Opposition's Rana Sanaullah Khan, Faiz Kamoka, Sheikh Ijaz Ahmad, Dr Asad Moazzam and notables of the villages on the canal banks opposed the project on the plea that it would affect their cultivable land and reduce the underground water level due to extensive pumping of water.

Their apprehensions were removed by Mr Gilani with the help of Nazim Zahid Nazir, FDA director general Raja Safdar, Wasa managing director Abdul Rashid and others.

The meeting was told that a Japanese company, JICA, would provide an aid of Rs2.5 billion for the project. The provincial government has approved the project while the approval from the federal government would be accorded in a meeting to be held within a fortnight.

With the installation of tubewells, two million gallons of water would be supplied to the citizens while 60,000 new connection would be given in the city.

Mr Gilani thanked the opposition MPAs for attending the meeting and said it was a proof of their sincerity towards resolution of national issues.

A mega development project worth Rs100 million has also been announced for the uplift of villages along the canal on the occasion. Of this, Rs50 million would be provided by the Punjab government while the remaining amount would be released by the district government.

A committee would be constituted for finalizing the project. It would review the requirements of the residents of the area by holding meetings with them and give recommendations for their execution.

Wasa had planned to provide sweet water by installing tubewells at the bank of River Chenab in Chiniot tehsil of Jhang district. The was abandoned as people protested against the plan. Later, Wasa authorities and JICA consultants approved the Jhang Branch Canal for installation of 25 tubewells but the people of adjoining villages also protested against the project. On the JICA threat to abandon the project, the Punjab government jumped into the matter and held a series of meetings with the area and their representative.