Balochistan government has expedited its efforts to build the Naulong Dam which is the first hydro power reservoir of the province to generate 5.5 megawatts electricity and irrigate 4,000 acres of land.According to Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Sahawani, the dam has a huge energy potential that would irrigate 4,000 areas near Jhal Magsi, Gandawa and Khuzdar. It will boost economic activities and strengthen farmer fraternity in the province.He said the government has made all required arrangements to build the dam with the total cost of Rs3.85 billion. Earlier the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) was asked to submit the framework for construction, cost-sharing, structural possibilities and implementation plan for the dam.The officials provided a detailed presentation on the dam construction and shared the cost, he said, adding that the way forward plan includes the cost of land acquisition, compensation, settlement and security arrangements that sum up to Rs1.95 billion.The cost of social and environmental impact was estimated to be Rs0.1billion along with the commercial area development cost was Rs1.8 billion rupees, he added. He went on to mention that the government would successfully complete this project at the estimated total cost of Rs3.85billion.The government has also initiated the Awami Health Insurance programme that is claimed to be the first of its kind in any province in Pakistan. The goal of the initiative is to cover all the heath sectors for public safety and protection, labeled as universal health coverage for all, according to spokesperson Shahwani.The programme aims to facilitate the whole province by providing best available treatment to about 1.7 million families. For this very purpose the government has already allocated Rs2 billion.The coverage plan of the scheme will provide the finances of 700,000 with a premium of only Rs2,000 per family. The programme is a step forward to develop a relationship between private and public health sectors to enhance healthcare and protection facilities for the betterment of the people in all key districts.People with insurance will be guaranteed the best treatment and will be given all the required facilities. Health officials talking to APP said that the project is in the pipeline.Published in The Express Tribune, October 29, 2019.