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Lahore, January 31, 2013 (PPI-OT): The federal government, through the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), is implementing multi-purpose Diamer Basha Dam as a priority project because of its numerous benefits for economy of the country. In addition to gigantic Diamer Basha Dam Project, the work on 4,320 mega watt (MW) Dasu Hydropower Project will also be commenced soon, as all pre-requisites including detailed engineering design of this project are almost complete.
This was stated by WAPDA Chairman Syed Raghib Shah during his meeting with Mr. Tom Newton, Chief Operating Officer of a US-based firm Hydromine here at WAPDA House today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that the two projects offer excellent windows of opportunities to the financial institutions and construction firms for their high economic rate of return. Dilating upon the benefits, the Chairman said that Diamer Basha Dam, with gross water storage capacity of 8.1 million acre feet, will generate 4,500 MW electricity and contribute about 20 billion units of low-cost hydel electricity to the National Grid. He said that Dasu Hydropower Project will also provide more than 21 billion units electricity to the system.
The Chairman said that the USAID is now engaged with WAPDA in arranging the funds for multi-billion dollar Diamer Basha Dam, while the World Bank has shown interest to provide financial assistance for Dasu Hydropower Project, construction of which is planned to be undertaken in various stages.
Later in a meeting with the delegation of Diamer Basha Dam Project affectees, the Chairman said that land acquisition, development of infrastructure in the project area and implementation of social action plan including construction of a model village for the displaced populace and other steps leading towards socio-economic well being of the affectees are continuing side by side.
He further said that special emphasis is being laid on resettlement action plan, prepared in accordance with international safeguard policies and guidelines. A sum of Rs.68 billion has been earmarked for providing social services to the affectees in addition to Rs.42 billion for acquisition of land and Rs.8 billion for compensation of assets, he added.
The Chairman said that WAPDA is fully cognizant of the ground situation. He assured the delegation that WAPDA is making continuous efforts to redress the genuine grievances of all the stake holders in line with international best practices and safeguard policies.
For more information, contact:
Muhammad Abid Rana
Director Public Relations
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
G-32, WAPDA House, Lahore
Tel: +9242 9920 2633 and +9242 9920 2211 -2033 -2029
Cell: +92333 445 8293
Email: mabidrana@gmail.com