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Lahore, November 19, 2013 (PPI-OT): A three-member delegation of the Saudi Fund for Development, led by Chief Engineer Abdullah Al-Shoaibi, today visited the 106-MW Golen Gol Hydropower Project, being constructed by the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in district Chitral of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. WAPDA Chairman Syed Raghib Abbas Shah also accompanied the delegation during the visit.
It is pertinent to mention that the Saudi Fund for Development is providing financial assistance amounting to US$ 40 million for civil works of Golen Gol Hydropower Project. The Saudi Fund for Development delegation is in Pakistan nowadays to witness progress on the project.
During their visit, the Fund announced provision of additional US $ 57 million for the project. In this regard, the negotiations will be held in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh next month, following which a formal agreement would be singed for provision of these additional funds.
The delegation along with WAPDA Chairman had a detailed round of the site and witnessed the construction activities at weir (dam), head race channel, sand trap, head race tunnel, pressure tunnel, pressure shaft, surge chamber, and power house area. The delegation expressed the hope that the project will be completed according to the schedule.
Speaking on the occasion, WAPDA Chairman said that the Government of Pakistan and WAPDA highly value the financial assistance provided by the Saudi Fund for Development for Golen Gol Hydropower Project, and hoped that the financial assistance by the Fund will be further enhanced for completion of the project. This support is result of the present Government’s efforts and good brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, the delegation in a briefing was apprised that 47% of the civil works have been completed, with a view to complete the project by August 2015. Golen Gol Hydropower Project is a part of least-cost energy generation plan of Government of Pakistan, being executed by WAPDA on priority basis to harness the indigenous hydropower resources of the country to improve the ratio of hydel electricity in the National Grid, help reduce electricity tariff and provide relief to the consumers.
Golen Gol Hydropower Project is located on the River Golen Gol, a major tributary of the River Mastuj in Chitral. On its completion, the project will contribute about 436 million units of electricity to the system. Being an environment friendly hydropower project, it will help reduce dependence on expensive thermal power, thereby saving foreign exchange amounting to US $ 34 million per annum, required for generating the equal quantum of electricity through imported furnace oil.
In addition to help mitigate power shortages in the country, Golen Gol Hydropower Project will also play a significant role in the backward areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as the remote areas of Chitral, Dir and Timar Garah will be connected to the National Grid.
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