US vague on financial assistance for dams

While Pakistan was looking for financial assistance for the Diamer Bhasha dam, Kurram Tangi dam and various other small and medium dams, the United States on Wednesday offered technical assistance for stopping glacier melting in the Himalayas bordering India and China. One day water dialogue was held between US and Pakistan on Wednesday. US delegation was lead by the Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero, while Pakistan was lead by Secretary Water and Power Imtiaz Kazi and Chairman of Water and Power Development Authority Shakil Durrani.
An official source said US made no firm commitment on financial assistance for the reservoirs but offered assistance to counter the fast melting glaciers in the Himalayas. US was keen to offer assistance for glaciology in the Himalayas. It was accepted by the Pakistani side. The details of cooperation will be worked out in coming weeks. US also advised enhancing the scope of Federal Flood Commission to counter floods with better monitoring system. He said the provinces rejected the US demand for setting up a water regulatory body to reduce water wastage and better water cost recovery as they were of the opinion that the Indus River System Authority was managing the function very well. However they showed interest in national water policy and welcomed assistance for stopping water wastage.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Water and Power said US reiterated its commitment to support Pakistan in handling water-related problems. US would extend full support to capacity building of Pakistani professionals, improvement of irrigation system, water conservation. It quoted the Under Secretary of State Maria Otero as saying, “Pakistan is our valued partner and we would help it come out of troubles”. Secretary Water and Power Imtiaz Kazi said Pakistan wants US support in training, capacity building of officials, introduction and implementation of modern technologies for water conservation. US officials said there is an active consideration for cooperation in the construction of Diamer Bhasha dam and Kurram Tangi dam. It also offered cooperation in the water data collection procedure. The meeting also discussed and reviewed in detail progress and recommendation on establishment of National Water Commission and formation of National Water Policy. The next session of water dialogue will be held in April 2012 in Washington.