Clinton@PNCA

US to focus on Water
During Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit last October, people raised several issues over and over again, including water, energy, health, jobs, as US hadn’t really focused on water before the dialogue began. Now they are and it is one of their most productive task forces. Earlier today, Clinton announced the construction of two hydroelectric dams, the rebuilding of municipal water systems in Peshawar and Jacobabad, improvements to water systems for millions of people in Southern Punjab, the renovation of three hospitals – Lahore, Karachi, and also in Jacobabad. All these projects were made possible by the Kerry- Lugar-Berman.

Energy and water are among the two highest priorities of US. As an additional aspects to US energy program, it will complete the dam and the powerhouse at Satpara Dam; and the dam, the powerhouse transmission at Gomal Zam Dam. US is working on a study on the Multan Northern Generating Company repowering to try to determine how it can convert the aging and inefficient multi-thermal power plant into a more efficient station. US is funding a biomass-fueled boiler feasibility study for Bulleh Shah Paper Mill and are also looking at the Gharo Corridor for a wind farm feasibility study. Beaconhouse schools will be provided solar power.

US wishes to see that steps were taken in the last six, seven years to open up more interaction in Kashmir, to open the bus routes, to create more opportunities for the people of Kashmir to be built upon in a way that would allow both sides to concentrate on internal development instead of so much of their resources going into standoffs on glaciers.