Chairman Water and Power Development Authority visits Flood-Hit Areas Lahore, September 26, 2012 (PPI-OT): On the directions of the Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has started preparing a master plan to control floods caused by the hill torrents in Balochistan, Sindh and Southern Punjab. WAPDA experts have already been mobilised to the sites for the purpose. WAPDA Chairman Raghib Shah stated this during his visit to the flood-hit areas in Qambar Shahdadkot and Larkana districts of Sindh as well as Osta Muhammad in Balochistan in order to personally assess and monitor the on-ground flood situation. He was accompanied by the General Manager (Projects) South and other WAPDA officers. Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that WAPDA is also providing technical support to the provincial administrations in Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab for passage/drainage of flood water from the affected areas. Dilating upon various projects, he said that in addition to implementing Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD) Project, WAPDA is also constructing small and medium-sized projects including Darawat, Nai Gaj, Naulong, Ghabir and Kurram Tangi dams. These projects will help control floods caused by the torrential rains particularly in Sindh and Balochistan, besides socio-economic development in the areas. The Chairman directed the General Manager (Projects) South to maintain close liaison with the provincial as well as local administration till the flood water is drained down to the sea. The Chairman also visited RBOD Project. Similar to the devastating floods during 2010, the outfall drains, this year too, have been playing a pivotal role in minimising the losses of flood by providing passage for draining the water, he said. The Chairman directed the project authorities to take all measures for protection of RBOD Project while passing the flood. For more information, contact: Muhammad Abid Rana Director Public Relations Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) G-32, WAPDA House, Lahore Tel: +9242 9920 2633 and +9242 9920 2211 -2033 -2029 Cell: +92333 445 8293 Email: mabidrana@gmail.com

September 26, 2012 Misc.