LAHORE – Besides providing financial support to WAPDA for its three ongoing projects in water and hydropower sectors, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will also consider provision of funds for two of the Khwar hydropower projects, as well as small and medium-sized dams.This was the crux of a meeting held Thursday between WAPDA Chairman Syed Raghib Abbas Shah and USAID Mission Director Jock Conly. USAID Deputy Mission Director Roger Garner was also present during the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, WAPDA chairman said that the WAPDA projects are not only vital in view of the increasing demand of water and electricity in the country, but also instrumental in poverty alleviation from the far-flung areas of Pakistan. He said that the assistance from international financial institutions and donor agencies can play a pivotal role in completing these projects. He thanked USAID for financial support being provided for Gomal Zam Dam project and its recently-included Waran Canal system, Satpara Dam and rehabilitation of the existing Tarbela Hydel Power Station.The matters relating to providing funds for under-construction Allai Khwar and Duber Khwar hydropower projects, Kurram Tangi Dam and other small and medium-sized dams were also discussed in the meeting. The USAID Mission Director assured WAPDA chairman of sustained support in implementation of water and hydropower projects. He said that the USAID will also actively consider provision of funds for the Khwar projects and the small and medium-sized dams due to their significance for socio-economic uplift of the people of Pakistan.