ISLAMABAD, Mar 16 (APP): Minister for Water Resources, Moonis Elahi, chaired the 18th meeting of the Project Steering Committee of Dasu Hydropower Project.
Three agenda items were discussed in the meeting including the approval of the proposal of the Govt of KP on the modus operandi for payment to the affectees under Enhanced Self-Managed Relocation (ESMR) package, progress review of settlement of right-of-way issue for construction of 132 kV transmission line from Pattan to Dasu, progress review of local area development programme.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Chairman WAPDA, Additional Secretary, Power Division, Senior Joint Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Member (Water) WAPDA, Chief Energy, Planning Commission, Member Board of Revenue, Govt of KP, Commissioner Hazara Division, DC Kohistan Upper, Additional Secretary, Energy Department, KP, and other officers of the Federal and the Provincial Government of KP as well as representatives of the World Bank, said a press release here on Wednesday.
The DC Upper Kohistan presented the proposal containing modus operandi for making payments to the affectees under the ESMR package where he apprised the house that the Govt of KP desires the Dasu Project Steering Committee to approve the payment mechanism after preparation of eligible cases and their scrutiny through five-tiered committees duly represented by the relevant officials of WAPDA, District Administration and WAPDA’s consultants.
He also presented the Terms of Reference to the house and sought the approval of the forum. After deliberations, Moonis Elahi approved the proposal of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government containing the modus operandi of making payments to the affectees under the ESMR package.
He also directed the District Administration, Upper Kohistan should complete the critical cases in terms of making payments to 1000 affectees latest by June 30, 2022.
He also directed that upon payment the possession of the land will be handed over to WAPDA forthwith.
The Deputy Commissioner gave his commitment which was endorsed by the Commissioner Hazara Division.
On the second agenda item, Moonis Elahi, directed PEDO, Govt of KP to submit its report comprising detailed plan of activities, tentative timelines and the estimated cost to WAPDA within two weeks to ascertain the need of electricity for the locals of Pattan Area in Lower Kohistan so that the necessary measures can be taken as confidence building measure which would pave the way for smooth construction of 132 kV transmission line from Pattan to Dasu to supply electricity for construction of Dasu Hydropower Project.
The Additional Secretary, Energy Deptt, KP gave commitment to have the report from PEDO submitted to WAPDA as per the directions of the Moonis Elahi within two-week time.
Chairman WAPDA also assured the Govt of KP to bear the cost of provision of electricity to the locals from the Project’s finances being provided by WAPDA from its own sources.
Moonis Elahi also directed the Commissioner Hazara Division to hold jirga with the locals of the Pattan and Kohistan lower before the start of month of Ramzan so that the construction on 132 kV transmission line can be started without any further delay.
With regard to local area development programme, Chairman WAPDA gave a detailed presentation to the house and apprised that WAPDA is carrying out number of schemes for the benefit of the local community in the project area which include construction of Jalkot bridge, free medical camps, provision of school bus for the local children, solar schemes, construction of mosques, health units etc.
Moonis Elahi directed the chairman WAPDA to loom into the possibility of assisting the District Administration in transportation of edible items from Mansehra and other developed regions to Kohistan which would reduce the prices of edible items particularly in the month of Ramazan.
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