PESHAWAR, Dec 9: A water resources development programme costing Rs1.5 billion has been launched in the NWFP in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

The head of the provincial Small Irrigation Dams organization said that work on four small dams had been initiated. Two of these were being constructed in Karak and one each in Kohat and Hangu districts.

The dams, which would be completed in two-and-a-half years, would have the capacity of storing about 27,000 acre feet water. On completion these dams would irrigate 11,500 acres.

It would also help in raising water level in the southern districts which have been badly affected by drought.—PPI