Senate Body briefed on Gomal Zam Dam, MDR and Mirani Dam projects

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development and Population Welfare has observed that Balochistan has fertile land and construction of small dams would bring a green revolution in the province.

The Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development and Population Welfare met here under the Chairmanship of Senator Saeed Ahmed Hashmi on Wednesday.

The observation was made by the Committee while having briefing from various organizations on the mega projects executed by the Federal Government.

Chairman WAPDA briefed the Committee about Mangla Dam Raising (MDR) Project, Gomal Zam Dam, Greater Thal Canal, Bhasha Dam, Mirani Dam and various other ongoing projects.

He informed the Committee that the work on MDR project was in full swing at the moment and that is likely to be completed by September 2007 at a cost of Rs 62553 million.

Regarding delay in the construction of Gomal Zam Dam, he said that reluctance of the Chinese firm was one of the main cause.

He said that the issue is being negotiated at the appropriate level and efforts were underway to come to an amicable solution and resumption of the work at the site.

About the Mirani dam project in Balochistan, he said that its construction would save wastage of rain water and would help irrigate a big piece of land in Balochistan, besides providing drinking water.

Chairman NHA, informed the Committee that repair work on the Mekran Coastal Highway has been completed with certain modifications to avoid any mishap in future.

He stated that restoration costs were borne by the contractors as per contract.

The Chairman briefed the Members of the Committee about various development projects such as Motorways, Lyari Expressway, Karachi Northern By Pass, Lowari Rail Tunnel Project and earthquake damages to road.

The Committee also gave a detailed briefing on the Quetta Water Supply and Environmental Improvement Project and on the K-III 100 MGD water supply project, Karachi.

The Committee directed the concerned authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure environmental safety and supply of clean water to the masses.