KARAK, Oct 3: Provincial Minister for Prisons Mian Nisar Gul has asked the quarters concerned to accelerate payment of compensation to landowners of Zeri dam so that construction work could be started on the project without further delay.

He issued the directive during a visit to the sites of Zeri dam and Kotal dam here on Wednesday.

He said that Rs20 million had already been released for the project.

The minister said that the water reservoir would resolve drinking water problem of around 15,000 people of surrounding localities and improve water table in the area.

He inspected the under-construction drinking water supply scheme of Takki Mithakhel. He asked the public health engineering department to ensure inauguration of the scheme in a week.

Mr Gul also visited the site of Kotal dam near Karak city and directed the relevant authority to complete feasibility survey of the project. He said that Rs70 million had been earmarked for the project. He said that the dam would resolve drinking water problem in Karak city.

He said that Makori dam in Banda Daud Shah tehsil would be completed at a cost of Rs30 million for supplying drinking water to Makori and adjacent areas. He said that feasibility of the project had already been completed.

The minister said that the three dams would be completed with the funds of oil and gas royalty. Later, he inspected the under-construction Niaz Well-Palosa Sar road and expressed dissatisfaction over the quality of work.