Uzair bin Farid

The Human Development Foundation (HDF) has completed the construction of a water reservoir in Soon Valley of Khushab district of Punjab province, which will boost the local economy by promoting agricultural and tourism development. The water reservoir named “Afaf” has been built with help from donors who provided the necessary capital. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mehboob-ul-Haq, said while talking to WealthPK that the total cost of building the dam amounted to Rs20 million.

He said that the cost was paid by international donors residing as Pakistani expats in different countries of the world. He said that the dam was a new addition to the line of water reservoirs that had been previously built by the HDF in different parts of the country. “Previously, HDF had built two water reservoirs of similar capacities in district Zhob of Balochistan province. The water reservoirs that we have built are designed to be sustained in the longer term,” he explained.

He said that there is a proper mechanism to ensure compliance, sustainability, and durability so that the reservoirs do not fall in disrepair after initial usage. “In order to ensure the long-term effectiveness and usage of these reservoirs, we have established people’s committees from the local population. Our area managers will remain in touch with the committees to make sure that these reservoirs are taken care of,” he said.

The HDF CEO said the reservoir will cater to the water-needs of more than 12,000 people from the local villages. “Over the past many years, the underground water table in this region had fallen very low. This put a lot of pressure on the already meagre and decapitated water supply in the region,” he said.

Mehboob said the water reservoir will help replenish the underground water pool, revitalise the green belt, and provide water for irrigation purposes. Speaking about the broader impacts of the reservoir, he said it will help  irrigate 650 acres of land that was inaccessible due to a lack of roads.

“The reservoir will also provide water resources for the cultivation of olive plants over an area of 2,000 acres. Olive plants will be cultivated in a phased manner to decrease our dependence on imports of olive oil,” he said. Moreover, he said, the reservoir will also provide a sanctuary for migratory birds which will find a stopping point. Similarly, he said, the reservoir will also become a tourist spot after the establishment of a community information centre in the area. He said the local people will find business and employment opportunities in the process of local development.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk