SARI, Mazandaran Prov. - Minister of Energy Habibollah Bitaraf said here Friday that some Rls.2,250 billion has been allocated to providing water in the country this year. The energy minister is currently in this northern province to inspect Shahid Rajaie and Alborz dams, in Sari and Savad-Kouh as well as water supply network in Qa'emshahr and drainage network in Babol. The minister said that the sum will be spent on constructing dams as well as irrigation and water supply networks.

He further announced that seven dams will become operational in the country by March 20, 1999. Bitaraf concluded by saying that construction of drainage systems have started in some 131 cities throughout the country. (IRNA)