Islamabad:
The Federal Minister of Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mien Wattoo, has announced that the electricity generation of the hydroelectric project of the 5th Extension of Tarbela begins next year. The project has a total installed capacity of 1,530 megawatts and, at the end, will provide the national network of an average of 1,347 billion low -cost hydroelectric units annually.
The minister, together with Wapda president, Naveed Asghar Chaudhry, visited the construction site the other day. GM Tarbela DAM, GM Power Tarbela, GM/PD Tarbela 5th Extension, Project Managers, Consultants and Contractors were also present on the occasion.
The minister declared that the mega hydroelectric energy projects under construction of WAPDA, including Tarbela 5th Extension, are priority projects in the energy generation plan of less cost of the government. The Ministry of Water Resources is providing full support to WAPDA to complete these vital projects according to their deadlines, he said, added that the government is committed to adding clean, green and ecological electricity to the national network as a priority to relieve consumers and stabilize the national economy.
During the visit, the minister reviewed the progress in the key components of the project, including energy intake, Pensock, Powerhouse and Connecting Tunnel. He was informed about progress and deadlines to complete critical activities.
The minister was informed that construction work on the seven key work fronts were progressing at a good pace, while the generation of electricity of the project will begin in 2026. When expressing their satisfaction on progress, the minister urged management to complete the project after the deadlines.
The minister also provided updates on other important projects. He said that the Mohmand dam will be completed by 2027-28, while the work in the DASU dam is progressing quickly and will be completed soon. Regarding the Diamer-Bhasha dam, he said the project will require more time to complete.
The government is focusing on increasing water storage, energy production and economic development, said the minister, added that the prime minister is particularly attentive to these initiatives, even calling meetings to explore ways to improve water storage.
The president of the WAPDA, Naveed Asghar Chaudhry, reiterated that the cost per unit of electricity can vary according to the fluctuations of international currencies, but efforts are being made to complete the project as soon as possible.
It is pertinent to mention that Wapda is building the hydroelectric project of the 5th Tarbela extension in tunnel No. 5 of the Tarbela dam. The World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank are providing US $ 390 million and US $ 300 million, respectively, for the construction of the project.
