MURREE: There will be no longer any shortage of water in Murree now that the scheme for the laying of a double pipeline from the natural springs of Doonga Gali has been completed at a cost of Rs26.5 lakhs. This was disclosed at a meeting of the Murree Joint Water Board held here under the chairmanship of Mr S. Ghiasuddin Ahmad, Commissioner, Rawalpindi Division.

The implementation of the new scheme has solved a long-standing problem of Murree. The expenses on the scheme have been shared by the Murree Municipal Committee and the Defence Department at the ratio of 60:40.

It will be of interest to note that prior to the completion of the new scheme, arrangements existed for the continuous supply of water for half-an-hour only which resulted in acute shortage during the rush months of June and July.

The laying of a nine-inch duplicate pipeline, which will supply approximately 32.5 lakh gallons daily, has ensured the flow of water in the taps of Murree Municipal areas as well as the cantonment areas for four hours constantly.

The joint Water Board, at its meeting, accorded sanction to an expenditure of Rs1,47,120 for the annual maintenance charges of the water supply system. Another scheme sanctioned by the Board related to the provision of pumping sets and construction of pumping chambers at Tonley Tanks, Murree. The scheme involves an expenditure of Rs18,100.

4,860 more houses ready at Korangi

KARACHI: Another 4,860 houses have been completed in the Korangi township to provide accommodation to about 30,000 shelterless displaced persons, it is learnt. Of these, 4,000 are one-room houses with an additional shelter, and the remaining 860 two-room houses, also with an additional shelter.

Over 16,000 houses have already been allotted. With the allotment of the 4,860 houses, the population in Korangi township, being built by the Karachi Development Authority, will increases to about one lakh persons. The allotment will be taken in hand by the KDA shortly.

When fully developed, the Korangi township will have 70,000 houses with the requisite facilities for an integrated community of all income groups. It is a long-term project of 14 years and is estimated to cost Rs70 crores.