In a significant development for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's water infrastructure, the provincial Minister for Irrigation and Power held a detailed meeting with the Secretary of the department to assess the progress of several crucial projects.
High-Level Review of Ongoing Initiatives
Minister for Irrigation and Power, Aqibullah Khan, chaired the meeting with Secretary Irrigation, Dr. Muhammad Naeem. The primary agenda was to conduct a thorough review of the ongoing development schemes within the irrigation sector. Both officials emphasized the critical importance of these projects for the region's agricultural sustainability and water security.
The discussion was comprehensive, covering various aspects of project management, from financial allocations to technical challenges. The minister directed the department to ensure that all work adheres to the highest standards of quality and is completed within the stipulated timelines.
Focus on Major Dam and Canal Projects
A substantial part of the conversation centered on two flagship projects: the Gomal Zam Dam and the Pehur High-Level Canal. These are among the most significant water infrastructure undertakings in the province.
Officials provided the minister with a detailed briefing on the current status of the Gomal Zam Dam. The discussion included updates on construction phases, any encountered obstacles, and the projected timeline for full operationalization. Similarly, the progress on the Pehur High-Level Canal was scrutinized. This canal is vital for diverting water to irrigate large swathes of agricultural land, and its timely completion is a top priority for the government.
The minister issued clear instructions to accelerate work on these projects without compromising on quality or safety standards. He stressed that these initiatives are fundamental to the economic and agricultural growth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing Public Concerns and Future Directions
Beyond project timelines, the meeting also tackled public grievances related to irrigation and water supply. Minister Aqibullah Khan showed a keen interest in resolving complaints from farmers and local communities who depend on these water systems for their livelihoods.
He instructed the Secretary and his team to adopt a proactive approach in addressing these issues. The minister underscored that the department's performance is ultimately measured by its service delivery to the public. Ensuring a smooth and equitable distribution of water resources was highlighted as a key performance indicator.
The minister concluded the meeting by reiterating the government's unwavering commitment to developing the province's water infrastructure. He expressed confidence that the completion of these projects would bring about a transformative change, boosting agricultural productivity and improving water management across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Secretary Irrigation assured the minister of the department's full dedication to implementing the directives and achieving the set goals.
