Musharraf announces uplift schemes for Malakand

President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday announced a number of development schemes for Malakand Division, which include construction of a sports complex, cadet college and a network of infrastructure for the area''s fast pace development.
Addressing a large public meeting in Swat district the President said that the government "is committed to development" of the far off areas in line with its drive to ensure provision of basic facilities to the entire populace by 2007.
In response to the demands forwarded by Minister of State for Water and Power Amir Muqam, the President directed the Ministry of Sports and Culture to allocate Rs 5 million for construction of a sports stadium in Swat.
He said that the Highway Authority would be directed to work on the construction of Khawazakhela-Bisham road and Chakdarra-Kalam road.
On the demand for supply of electricity and gas to a number of villages, he said that these would be met at the earliest.
The government is also building reservoirs to produce power to meet growing energy requirements and would also import electricity from the energy-rich Central Asian states.
On the demand for construction of Malakand tunnel to minimise the distance with the rest of the districts of the province, the President asked the National Highway Authority (NHA) to conduct the survey of the project.
The President was given a standing ovation when he announced the establishment of a cadet college and upgradation of Saidu Sahrif hospital to 300 beds hospital and said that funds for this purpose would be supplied by federal government.
He told the gathering that the present government is committed to provide clean drinking water to every citizen by 2007.
Amid rousing cheers he announced that since Swat was also affected badly by the recent floods and heavy snowfall, agro loans up to Rs 25,000 would be waived.
The President announced Rs 80 million for the construction of retaining wall along the river Swat and farm-to-market roads in Malakand Division.
He asked the people to join hands with the government in the speedy development of the country and not to resort to deforestation as it would adversely affect the beauty of Swat.
Assuring the people that PTCL would be asked to expand its telecommunication services he said that mobile phone companies would also be encouraged to provide service to these areas.