Balochistan to get Rs 5 billion for reservoirs, Musharraf inaugurates watercourse

President General Pervez Musharraf inaugurated a watercourse in Killi Kateer, Kuchlak, about 15km north of Quetta, on Friday. It marked the launch of national programme for the construction of concrete water tanks, watercourses and reservoirs throughout the country at a cost of Rs 60 billion. Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani, Chief Minister Jam Muhammad Yousuf, federal ministers and ministers of state were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, President Musharraf said Balochistan would be given Rs 5 billion for the construction of 7100 concrete watercourses and 6366 water tanks/reservoirs during the next four years, which would be monitored by the provincial chief minister.
This programme is aimed at raising the capacity of water reservoirs and would bring 0.5 million acres of additional lands under cultivation.
The president said modern techniques would be introduced for irrigation of lands, which would further boost the agriculture output.
He said 14,000 watercourses and concrete water tanks would be constructed this year.
MEGA PROJECTS: Referring to the mega projects, General Musharraf said the commissioning of these projects would bring a new revolution in economic activity in Balochistan.
He said Gwadar port and the Coastal Highway would be completed this year, while Mirani dam would be ready next year. Work on Kachhi Canal, the President added, was going on at a cost of Rs 35billion and rupees eight billion would be provided to Balochistan for the Quetta Water Supply project.
He said the Coastal Highway would be linked with the Islamic Republic of Iran and Khuzdar for boosting trade.
He said the federal government would also provide funds for the construction of roads linking Quetta with Kandahar, which would result in boosting trade in the provincial capital.
He said that some elements in the province were not interested in the progress of Balochistan and they were creating problems through their propaganda. "They are involved in terrorist activities in the province, he said, adding, "they have never taken any interest in the development of the province."
The government would foil all their designs and would continue to complete the mega projects for the progress and prosperity of the people, he said.
Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Muhammad Yusuf in his speech said that the provincial government has completed 160 small dams in the province from its own resources.
He appreciated the efforts of the president for providing extra funds for the development of Balochistan.
Provincial Agriculture Minister Maulana Faizullah, who also spoke on the occasion, said the programme would bring more prosperity to the agriculturists in Balochistan.