Islamabad: The Balochistan government has accelerated its efforts for the development of the Naulong Dam project, a news source reported. This dam is the first hydro-power reservoir initiative to be implemented within the province — equipped with the capacity to irrigate 4,000 acres of land and generate 5.5 megawatts of electricity. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts on speeding up the development of a number of dams in the province.
Speaking to the press, the provincial government’s spokesperson Liaqat Sahawani revealed that the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) was involved with the project as well, and had submitted details regarding the construction process and costs involved in building the dam.
He added that the budget for land acquisition, security arrangements and settlements alone stands at PKR 1.95 billion. Additionally, PKR 1.8 billion would be required for commercial area development and PKR 0.1 billion is needed to cover the costs of the social and environmental impacts of the project.
Hussain said that the dam is expected to be completed at a total cost of PKR 3.85 billion, which has already been arranged by the Balochistan government. He was also of the opinion that the project would help drastically boost economic activities within the province, as well as strengthen the fraternity of farmers there.
