PROVINCE REPORT
BUNER: In a significant step aimed at mitigating flood risks and protecting lives, property and agricultural land, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Syed Fakhar Jehan on Saturday inaugurated a Rs28 million project for the cleaning and rehabilitation of streams and natural waterways in PK-26, Buner, under the Irrigation Department.
The project was formally launched from “Riga Khwar”, where dredging and desilting operations were initiated to remove accumulated silt, mud and sand from rivers and water channels.
Officials of the Irrigation Department, local leaders and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, and a large number of local residents were present on the occasion.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr Fakhar Jehan said that the provincial government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was taking practical measures to protect the public from flood hazards, restore natural waterways and provide essential civic facilities.
He said the timely cleaning of rivers, streams and khwars would not only improve the natural flow of water but would also help protect urban settlements, homes, agricultural lands and public and private properties from damage during heavy rains and possible flood situations.
The minister noted that Buner had repeatedly been affected by flash floods and torrential flows in the past, resulting in the loss of precious human lives and causing extensive damage to houses, crops, infrastructure and other public assets.
Keeping these bitter experiences in view, he said, the provincial government was according top priority to timely and effective preventive measures to minimise future losses and ensure the safety and well-being of local communities.
