GILGIT, March 7: Work on the 18MW hydro-electric project is proceeding and the plant will start functioning by the end of December 2006. Official sources in Water and Power Department told APP on Monday that besides progress on power house, work on laying of transmission lines over 35 kilometre area was also being accelerated. They said a local grid station was being established in the area to make supply of electricity uninterrupted. They hoped once the supply was started it would boost the local industries and expand business activities in the area.

Officials said the government was giving preference to local people in employment.—APP