Some 26 foreign-funded projects in the water sector amounting to US$ 3,354 million are currently under implementation in the country. This was noted in a meeting of the National Coordination Committee on Foreign Funded Projects (NCC–FFP) pertaining to the water sector, chaired by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

Ayaz said the government was focusing on the rehabilitation and construction of major dams that would fulfil the country’s needs for water, food and energy security in view of long-term benefits towards stabilizing the country’s economy. The minister highlighted the importance of ongoing hydropower and water sector development projects, which are essential for power generation at affordable rates and sustainable development of the country’s economy.

Minister for Water Resources Syed Khursheed Shah directed the line departments to fast-track the implementation of the projects. He emphasized the quick delivery of the projects including Tarbela 5th Extension, Keyal Khawar and Harpo projects, and set the timelines to resolve the bottlenecks to expedite the implementation.

The NCC-FFP meeting also reviewed the progress of the development projects of the Water Sector funded by the World Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, USA, France, Germany, Saudi Fund, Kuwait, and OFID, according to the press statement issued by Economic Affairs Division. The meeting was attended by Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, State Minister for Finance Aisha Ghaus Pasha, representatives of Prime Minister’s Office, Finance Division and provincial planning and development departments and boards of revenues.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk