MINGORA, Aug 15: The district Nazim of Swat, Dr Mehboobur Rehman, has said that a record number of development schemes have been initiated in all the union councils of the district.

Talking to reporters the other day, Dr Rehman said the Sui gas supply to Swat was one of the greatest achievements of the government. He said the gas was being supplied at a cost of Rs380 million and added that it would help control the excessive deforestation.

The Nazim said the low voltage problem and absence of electricity in many villages would soon come to an end with the installation of Khwazakhela and Madyan grid stations.

He said the district government had planned to install some 50 hydel power generators on the Swat River and the attached tributaries which would not only help meet the power demands but the power rates would also be decreased.

The Nazim said the roads were in a dilapidated condition, particularly between Kalam and Behrain, Shergarh and Dargai, Batkhela and -Landaki, etc., adding that construction would soon be started. He said the work on farm-to-market roads and extension schemes was in progress.

The Nazim said billions would be spent on the installation of tubewells in all the union councils, adding that some Rs1.7 million had already been allocated to each union council to be spent in consultation with the concerned local elected representatives.