Jabban Hydropower Project put on test run

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Lahore, June 26, 2013 (PPI-OT): Following completion of the civil and electro-mechanical works of the French-funded 22 Mega Watt (MW) Jabban Hydroelectric Power Station, first unit of the project was successfully put on test run today. The Power Station will start providing electricity to the National Grid very soon.

French Ambassador Philippe Thiebaud and the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Syed Raghib Abbas Shah jointly unveiled the plaque to mark the event in a ceremony held at the project. French Development Agency (AFD) Vice President Gregory Clemente, Senator Nisar Muhammad Khan, Member National Assembly Junaid Akbar, notables of the area and other officials were also present on the occasion.

Jabban Hydroelectric Power Station has been reconstructed on Sawat Canal System in Malakand of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with a total cost of about Rs. 3.75 billion, out of which AFD has provided 25 million Euros – about 3.4 billion Rupees – as a soft loan. The power station will contribute 122 million units of cheap electricity to the National Grid.

Addressing the ceremony, the French Ambassador said that France, through AFD, is fully committed to help resolve the energy crisis in Pakistan. Referring to the Jabban Hydroelectric Power Station, he said that success of this first operation, as well as exceptional hydropower potential, encourages France and Pakistan to jointly engage in other projects in the future. The Ambassador appreciated WAPDA for executing Jabban Hydroelectric Power Project without cost over-run or delays.

Earlier, WAPDA Chairman in his welcome address thanked France for providing financial assistance to reconstruct Jabban Hydroelectric Power Station. He expressed the hope that the cooperation among French institutions and WAPDA will be further enhanced in the days to come for development of the vital sectors of water and hydropower in Pakistan. Senator Nisar Muhammad Khan in his address also highlighted importance of the project for the area.

It may be mentioned that Jabban Hydel Power Station was established in 1937 with a generation capacity of 9.6 MW. It was the biggest hydropower station when Pakistan came into existence in 1947. In 1952, its generation capacity was elevated to 19.6 MW. During the early days of Pakistan when there were no mega hydel power stations like Warsak, Mangla and Tarbela, the Jabban Hydropower Station played a pivotal role in the development of newly-born country.

After a significant contribution for socio-economic uplift for about seven decades, the power station was badly damaged in a fire incident in November 2006. Thereafter, WAPDA decided to undertake complete rehabilitation/reconstruction instead of its repair. Under the rehabilitation work, four units of 5.5 MW each have been installed to elevate its generation capacity to 22 MW.

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