| Quetta: The Balochistan Public Health Engineer (PHE) department has submitted a proposal for the construction of three dams in Quetta to address the water shortage issue, news sources reported on March 8.
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The feasibility report and PC-1 for the Babar Kach, Burj Aziz Khan, and Halak dams have been completed by the Balochistan Public Health Engineering (PHE) agency. The decision was made, citing the depleting subsurface water levels in the provincial capital and the looming danger of the spread of waterborne diseases in the city.
The total cost for the three dams is estimated to be PKR 143 billion, with the Babar Kach Dam being the most expensive at PKR 73 billion. The Balochistan government has requested the federal government include these projects in the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2023–24. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo is expected to approach the prime minister to consider these projects to alleviate the water shortage in the region.
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There has been a persistent water shortage in Quetta, the province’s largest city. The government has announced several water development projects for the city under federal government’s patronage. However, the problem has not been addressed so far. |
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