Parched province: Every individual urged to save water

Balochistan governor says urgent steps needed to preserve rainwater

QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai has said that every individual should exhibit care in using water in view of rapidly depleting underground water resources in Balochistan.

Addressing a seminar titled, “The issue of water and future strategy in Quetta and Balochistan,” Achakzai said that urgent steps are required for preserving rainwater to improve the water shortage situation.

Currently the underground water level has fallen to 1,500 feet in Quetta and its suburbs which is alarming and this issue requires urgent attention. He said that water shortage can even affect the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and other development projects.

He stressed upon all the individuals to play their role for lessening the intensity of the issues.

Speaking on the occasion, Balochistan Minister for Irrigation Nawab Ayaz Jogezai said that water shortage should be taken seriously otherwise people would have to face serious consequences.

He warned if the current situation continued, Quetta city would turn into a desert in a matter of few years. He said the provincial government will launch an awareness week to sensitise the people about the importance of preserving water.

Meeting with German Consul General

German Consul General Rainer Scheidchen, during a meeting with Achakzai at the Governor House, expressed interest of German companies in Balochistan, particularly the Gwadar port.

Scheidchen said that a number of German firms were willing to invest in private and public sector projects in the province.

Achakzai said that the provincial government would extend full cooperation if German investors were interested in visiting Gwadar. Balochistan government would provide complete security to the foreign investors in the province, he said.

Achakzai said that Balochistan was blessed with rich mineral resources. “Foreign funding can prove instrumental in tapping the mineral potential of Balochistan,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2016.