LAHORE, Nov 23: The second period meeting of the Steering Committee for “Vision 2025” programme was held at the Wapda House on Friday.

According to a press release, Deputy Planning Commission Chairman Dr Shahid Amjad Chaudhry presided over. The meeting was participated in by senior joint secretary water and power, senior officials of the Economic Affairs and Planning and Development Divisions, the Wapda chairman, members of the authority, secretary-cum-coordinator Vision 2025 Programme and other senior managers concerned.

The meeting reviewed and discussed the overall strategy for implementation of “Vision 2025” programme besides progress of individual projects on the fast track like Gomal Zam Dam, Mirani Dam, Satpara Dam and Thal Flood Water Canal. Management of finances, processing and coordination of water sector and hydropower projects, problem areas and measures to overcome the difficulties also came under discussion.

Wapda chief Lt-Gen Zulfiqar Ali Khan reaffirmed that every possible effort was being made to achieve the targets and live up to the confidence reposed by the government. He added that effective monitoring of the projects was essential to meet the targets. The meeting noted the impact of Afghan War on foreign consultants and investment in the projects.

The steering committee appreciated and welcomed the generous financial assistance extended by the friendly Muslim countries for the water sector project. Agreements to this effect were signed in Islamabad during the last week.

The committee noted with satisfaction that requisite effort was being made to accomplish the water sector and hydropower projects as planned.