PM Nawaz lays foundation stone of Kurram Tangi Dam in North Waziristan

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday laid the foundation stone of Kurram Tangi Dam in North Waziristan.

Addressing on this occasion, the prime minister said that democratic process would be promoted in FATA as constitutional amendment would be made to bring it into the mainstream. He said that comprehensive reforms were being brought for the FATA development, and share in development funds in NFC would be allocated for it.

He said that Kurram Tangi dam was a long-term project, which would be completed on fast track. He said that FATA development was among the top priorities of the government. He said that development and prosperity would replace the sense of fear among the people.

He said that displaced persons would be rehabilitated this year, adding that the people of Waziristan have offered sacrifices for peace in the country.

“The Kurram Tangi Dam project will cost Rs23 billion and will be completed in two phases. The first phase will be funded by US Aid while the expenses for the second phase will be covered by the government,” announced Nawaz.

The dam will produce 83.4 MW of electricity and can store 1.2 million acre-feet (MAF) amount of water. The dam will be completed in two phases, of which the first phase will be completed in three years' time.

The dam will also help overcome floods in the area and bring about socio-economic improvement in the area, Radio Pakistan reported.

Kurram Tangi Dam is a low cost, environment friendly project, which will also irrigate a vast area in North Waziristan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The federal government has intensified its efforts to eliminate energy crises in the country and Tangi dam would also play a pivotal role in mitigating load shedding crises in future.