Phase-wise provision of gas to Hangu discussed

Rs4.5m more assured for Mardan land record computerisation

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Pervez Khattak at a meeting discussed the infrastructure development and phase-wise provision of gas facility to Hangu with Federal Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Around 911 consumers residing within 5km radius of gas well will be provided gas facility in the first phase costing Rs610 million. Out of this Rs28 million will be provided by the company while the rest will be adjusted through the royalty, said a handout.

The villages from where gas pipeline will pass would get the gas facility in the second phase. The participants of the meeting discussed modalities for the infrastructure development and provision of gas facility.

They were told that pipeline is ready from Mardankhel to Makori. However, locals of the area were creating hindrances and demanding provision of gas connection.  The chief minister asked the elected representatives to intervene in the matter to ensure smooth provision of the facility to the area.

He said that government was making all-out efforts for rapid social and economic development of backward areas.

Earlier, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed his willingness to share the expenditure for infrastructure development in Hangu and Karak. A committee was constituted under the chairmanship of chief secretary to resolve the issue of unbundling of gas companies.  Pervez Khattak stated that government’s policy was investment-friendly and the companies were at liberty to decide site for establishment of oil refineries.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has assured a grant of Rs4.5 million to facilitate the process of computerization of the land record in Mardan. At a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Peshawar, he was informed that land computerization project was successfully going on. However, he was told that limited number of booths and computer systems was a hindrance to complete the work within stipulated time.

He was told that the general public can be provided the required record within 20 minutes if the number of booths and computer system were enhanced. The chief minister directed preparation of PC-1 to equip the system with timely provision of record to the public.

The officials suggested extension of the land computerization system to other districts. The chief minister directed that the project should be initiated in other districts where buildings were available.