AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Lahore, November 28, 2012 (PPI-OT): The United States of America (US) will provide $150 million to the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) for up-gradation of Mangla Power House.
This announcement was made by the US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson during his visit to Mangla Dam and the Power House.
“The US Government assistance helped build Mangla Dam” Ambassador Olson told the media. “Now, nearly 50 years later, the US is helping to repair Mangla Power House to make sure it continues to produce the energy this country needs.” He added “Our commitment to help repair Mangla Power House today builds upon efforts begun in the 1960s.
The US was then, as it is now, committed to working with the Government of Pakistan on large-scale energy projects that help the people of Pakistan live secure and prosperous lives.” This project to upgrade Mangla Power House is just one element of a comprehensive US energy assistance programme in Pakistan, which includes renovating the power plant at Tarbela, up-grading Guddu, Jamshoro and Muzaffar Garh power plants, and completing the construction of Satpara and Gomal Zam Dam.
WAPDA Chairman Raghib Shah said that WAPDA has initiated up-gradation project of Mangla Power House to enhance its generation capacity to 1310 mega watt (MW) from the existing 1000 MW. This up-gradation is a part of the two-pronged strategy aimed at optimal utilization of the indigenous hydropower resources. In addition to constructing new projects, WAPDA is also rehabilitating and up- grading its aging power houses under the strategy, he further said.
Earlier, WAPDA Chairman referring to the support provided by the US in implementation of various WAPDA projects, said that WAPDA highly values this assistance. He said that commencement of Mangla Power House up-gradation is yet another milestone in the US-Pakistan cooperation for development of energy sector. He expressed the hope that this cooperation would further enhance in the days to come.
The US ambassador was briefed that Mangla Dam – the first-ever mega multi-purpose project in Pakistan comprising water storage and four power generating units of 100 MW each – was completed in 1967 with financial assistance of the friendly countries including the US. Subsequently, units 5and 6 were installed at the power house in 1974 and units 7and 8 in 1981. Mangla Power House attained its maximum capacity i.e. 1000 MW in 1994 with addition of units 9 and 10. Since its commissioning, the power house has contributed more than 200 billion units of low-cost electricity to the National Grid.
The aging factor of the generating equipment and availability of additional water due to the raised Mangla Dam necessitated the refurbishment and up-gradation of Mangla Power House, which is currently underway and will be completed in phases with an estimated cost of $ 400 million, the Ambassador was informed.
The US Ambassador and WAPDA Chairman also unveiled the plaque to commemorate the US financial support for up-gradation of Mangla Power House.
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