SWABI: Work on Pehur High Level Canal (PHLC) extension project will start soon as all arrangements have been finalised for it, according to sources.

They said that $102 million would be spent on the project to bring ‘green revolution’ not only in the district but in the entire province. The earlier cost of the project was low but it reached $102 million owing to delay in commencing work on it.

Sources said that a detailed briefing was held about the project three days ago in Peshawar that was attended by consultant and other officials concerned. They said that the project would be completed within 66 months, two and half year, after the 2018 general elections.

They said that the project would make the province self-sufficient in food. The project is being financed by Asian Development Bank (ADB) while the share of provincial government is small. A main office of the consultant would be established in Gohati area to oversee all construction activities of the project. Sources said that a total of 222,794 kanals arid land would be irrigated with the completion of the project. Perhaps no infertile land would remain without irrigation in the district, they added.

Sources said that various areas of Chota Lahor, Adina, Shahmansoor, Gaju Khan Desert, Panjpir and Dagai of the district would be irrigated after the completion of the project.

Soon after the 2013 general elections when PTI-led provincial government was established and QWP was its coalition partner, Sikandar Sherpao, who was then senior minister, had announced the project at a function in Chota Lahor.

However, the project was put in cold storage when QWP and PTI parted ways. After rejoining of provincial government by QWP and its only MPA from the district Abdul Karim became adviser to chief minister. Mr Krim played vital role in finalisation of the project.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2016