Judicious use of water resources, waste prevention: Provinces agree to form policies

Provincial governments on Wednesday agreed to formulate policies for judicious use of water resources, waste prevention, and cost recovery, aimed at ensuring water security. This is the outcome of the fourth strategic dialogue on water under the auspices of the United States of America (USA).
Pakistan team was led by Kamal Majeedullah, Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Water and Agriculture, and Maria Itero, Under-Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, represented the USA. Wapda Chairman Shakil Durrani told Business Recorder that the US is considering to finance Diamar Bhasha dam, along with Asian Development Bank (ADB), Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and Kuwait Fund.
"Washington is considering our request to finance Bhasha but they have still not given any assurance," he said. According to sources, ADB has made similar promises, but no firm commitment, other than to state that the Bank is "considering the project's different aspects".
The Wapda Chairman said that USA extended funds for Gomal Zam Dam, Satpara Dam and maintenance of Tarbela's defective turbine, enabling the Wapda to generate additional 100 MW of electricity. Maria reiterated US commitment to support Pakistan in handling water-related problems. The US would extend full support to capacity building of Pakistan's professionals, improvement of irrigation system, water conservation as well as helping the country to overcome water scarcity.
"Pakistan is our valued partner and we would assist it to overcome its troubles," she reportedly stated. She said that dialogue would be focused on supporting Pakistan's response to the water issue. She said that about two-third of the world's population would have to face water stress by 2025; so, it was a very complex issue, and pragmatic strategy has to be devised to tackle it. She said that she would also visit other provinces to discuss water challenges with them.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister Kamal Majidullah said that Pakistan is very proactive towards watershed management. He said that water management depends on availability of water and with growing population it would be very critical to make water available to every one in future. He said that fast mechanism and latest technologies are being used for conservation of water. He said that Pakistan needs expertise and modern technology in cementing water channels as the current methodology being used in Pakistan is a very lengthy and expensive program.
During the regular session and workshop session, presentations were made by the federal government and the provinces on their water sector issues, water sector reforms, irrigation network, and current challenges. The meeting also discussed and reviewed in detail progress and recommendation on establishment of National Water Commission and formation of National Water Policy. A detailed presentation was also made by the US side on their method of water distribution and procedure for water data collection.
The US delegation said that it is actively considering co-operation for construction of Diamer Bhasha dam and Kurram Tangi dam. It also offered co-operation in the water data collection procedure. Secretary, Water and Power, Imtiaz Kazi, said that Pakistan wants US support in training, and capacity building of officials in introduction and implementation of modern technologies for water conservation. He said that there was no concept of water management and conservation. It is the need of the hour to sensitise public in this regard, he added. It was announced that 5th session of water dialogue will be held in Washington in April 2012.