Malakand-III PP to start operation from May 15

Peshawar: Rupees 6.9 billion Malakand-III hydropower project is likely to start operation from May 15 as one of the three power generators having a capacity of 27MW will be made functional. NWFP Minister for Irrigation and Power, Engr Muhammad Humayun Khan was informed of the project during a briefing at the site.

Member Provincial Assembly Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, nazimeen, Syed Ahmad Ali Shah Bacha, Shamshad Khan, MD SHYDO Ashfaq Husain Shah, XEN Irrigation Abbas Ali and a large number of elite of the area attended the briefing.

The minister was informed that more than 20,000 acres of barren land of Palai, Baizu, Kharki, Machai, Wartair and Dobandi areas would get water for irrigation from the project. It was disclosed that this gigantic SHYDO project had a total capacity of 81MW and work on this project is nearing completion.

It was stated that one portion would start production next month. The project would generate revenue of Rs 1.6 billion per annum. Speaking on the occasion, Humayun Khan stated that the project would be a milestone in the history of Malakand. He said besides recruiting locals, there were bright chances of establishing an industrial estate in Malakand to be energised by the power generated through this project.

He said priority would be given to the Malakand areas and pledged that he would utilise all his resources for the larger interest of the people of Malakand. Earlier, the minister inspected different portions of the project. He was taken round the reservoir, dam, power house and irrigation canal.