PM satisfied with progress on construction of hydropower projects

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday the government is committed to implementation of hydropower projects without any delay.

He got a briefing on progress on the construction of important hydropower projects, including Mohmand Dam, Dasu Hydropower project, Tarbela IV (Extension), and Diamer Bhasha Dam in Islamabad.

The prime minister directed the ministries concerned to pay special attention to resolution of the problems regarding these hydropower projects.

Expressing satisfaction over progress in these projects, he said capacity enhancement of water reservoirs and acquisition of affordable electricity are priorities of the government. He said effective use of precious water resources plays a key role in agricultural and economic development.

PM Khan said not only shortage of electricity will be fulfilled with cheap electricity but it will also promote the industrial sector in the country, which will enhance the country’s capacity to compete at international level.

The prime

minister was briefed that these projects will generate 9,620-megawatt additional electricity and increase water storage capacity by 11.3 million acre-feet. Owing to these hydropower projects, over Rs23 billion rupees will be spent on social welfare projects, which will produce 23,000 job opportunities.

The meeting was apprised that the construction of Mohmand Dam was started in the middle of this year and will be completed by 2024. This project will store 1.2 million acre-feet water and produce 800MW electricity.

Dasu Hydropower Project Phase-I will begin next year and will be completed by 2024. This project will generate 2360MW electricity. Similarly, Phase II of Dasu Hydropower Project will be started in 2025 and completed in 2027. This will produce 2160MW power.

Diamer Bhasha Dam will also start next year and it will be completed by 2027. This project will help store 8.1 million acre-feet water and generate 4500 MW electricity.