Shifting of machinery to Dassu Dam site begins

MANSEHRA: The Wapda has started shifting heavy machinery to site of Dassu dam after local people showed flexibility and allowed work on the project.

Ihsanul Haq, the president of Kohistan traders’ union, told reporters on Sundaythat the people of Kohistan were happy with the approval of the funds for the Dassu dam. However, he asked the government to first meet their 18-point charter of demands.

Work on the dam was stopped by local people last month as they sought proper compensation for their land.However, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), in its meeting held in Islamabad on March 28, approved Rs486 billion for first phase of 4320MW Dassu hydropower project.

Ihsanul Haq, who had also served as nazim of Thooti union council, said people were pleased with sanction of money by Ecnec for the project and would not create hurdles in its smooth execution. ‘The government should also show flexibility and compensate people according to their demands,” he said.