LAHORE:
Diamer-Bhasha Dam will change the fortune of country, particularly of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), remarked Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman Muzammil Hussain.
In a meeting with G-B Chief Minister Muhammad Khalid Khursheed on Thursday, he praised continued support of the region for building the massive dam. Matters pertaining to hydro development in the region and confidence-building measures (CBMs) undertaken by Wapda in the project area for socio-economic development of locals were discussed in detail during the meeting.
Hussain highlighted various facets of CBMs being implemented at a cost of Rs78.5 billion in the project area.
“Development schemes under CBMs will not only make modern facilities of health care, education and infrastructure available to the local population but they will also help alleviate poverty by creating employment opportunities in the region,” he said.
“People hailing from the project area and Gilgit-Baltistan will be prioritised in jobs as per the criteria laid down for the purpose.”
Speaking on the occasion, the G-B chief minister appreciated the measures taken by Wapda for the resettlement of affectees of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, development of the project area and wellbeing of people of the region. Expressing satisfaction over the implementation of development schemes under CBMs, he hoped that the initiatives would transform the landscape of the area and steer a positive change in the lives of its residents.
The chief minister assured the Wapda chairman of complete support from the G-B government for timely completion of Diamer-Bhasha Dam.
