SWABI, Nov 26: Initial work on the site of new power house and switchyard of Tarbela Dam fourth extension power project has been started, while formal inauguration of the project is expected soon, sources at Tarbela Dam and Wapda told Dawn here.

They said that cutting of trees had been started to clear the site for building a new power project.

`Cutting of trees on the site is in full swing. A local contractor has been given the contract to clear the site, said the sources while quoting an official.

They said that all arrangements for executing the project were finalised during the Pakistan People`s Party government. They recalled that in March 2012 it was announced that (then) president Asif Ali Zardari would inaugurate the project and the Tarbela Dam authorities had completed all the preparations. However, the visit by Mr Zardari was later postponed.

It has been learnt that an important meeting of the Wapda officials was held at Ghazi four days ago that discussed issues like employment of workforce for the project, especially from the nearby areas. However, sources said that the project authorities` first priority would be to pick workers, especially on technical side, who werewell-versed with their work even if they were from other parts of the country.

The contract of the new venture had been given to a Chinese firm and some of the Chinese officials had already reached Tarbela and kicked off the initial planning, said the sources.

They said that local labourers and workers had started submitting documents for employment to a local office at Ghazi. `A great rush of people could be seen at the office to get an application form and then submit it after filling, said a worker.

However, before submitting documents for job each applicant should get his application attested from the MPA of their constituency. `Without the signature of MPAs no one could submit the documents, an official said, adding that local representatives had been involved to avoid any law and order problem.

A local MPA who opted not to be named said: `We are under tremendous pressure because everybody wants a job whether he is eligible or not.

We are also facing a dilemma because the voters believe that we could do everything.

The Swabi district jirga members and parliamentarians had already demanded that preference should be given to the local workers in employment for the project.