Skip to main content

Diamer-Bhasha dam pact signed

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Rs 442 billion contract, a joint venture of China Power and Frontier Works Organization (FWO) for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam, was signed May 13.

The Chinese state-run firm holds 70 percent and the FWO, 30 percent share in the consortium. The contract covers construction of a diversion system, main dam, access-bridge and the 21MW Tangir hydropower project.  

The Diamer-Bhasha dam project’s Chief Executive Officer, Amir Bashir Chaudhry, and the authorized representative of the China Power Yang Jiandu signed the agreement on behalf of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the joint venture, respectively. 

The Water Resources Minister, Faisal Vawda, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, Water Resources Secretary Mohammad Ashraf, WAPDA Chairman, Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain, Pakistan Army engineer-in-chief, Lt Gen Moazzam Ejaz, and FWO Director General, Maj Gen Kamal Azfar, attended the signing ceremony.

The WAPDA chairman expressed the hope that the Diamer-Bhasha dam would be completed as per the timelines to cope with the increasing water and electricity requirements of the country. 

“The dam project with a total financial outlay of about Rs 1,406.5 billion would be completed in 2028,” he revealed. 

He briefed that the project would have a gross storage capacity of 8.1 MAF and power generation capacity of 4,500MW, with an annual generation of 18.1 billion units. 

However, the electro-mechanical and power generation project would be taken up separately at a later stage. The total financial outlay includes land acquisition and resettlement, confidence building measures for social uplift of the local people, construction of dam and power houses. 

Prime Minister Imran Khan was briefed on the progress of the project a couple of days ago. The construction work on dam will begin in coming few weeks.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

KDSP: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome in Karachi

The Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP), a beacon of hope and support, is making significant strides in empowering individuals with Down syndrome in the city. Founded in March 2014 by a group of passionate parents and individuals, KDSP addresses the critical need for comprehensive resources and platforms for those with Down syndrome in Karachi. Bridging the Gap: A Mission of Advocacy and Inclusion KDSP operates as a non-profit organization with a clear mission: to advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. Recognizing the limited support and resources available locally, KDSP was established to provide a nurturing environment where individuals with Down syndrome can lead independent and fulfilling lives. A Lifelong Journey of Support Understanding the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, KDSP offers unwavering support from the moment a family receives a diagnosis.  They embark on a journey with each family, pro...

Akbar Ali Khan elected AMUOBA President, appointed SSUET Chancellor

  By Abdul Qadir Qureshi (Pakistan News & Features Services) Akbar Ali Khan, son of the distinguished Engr Zakir Ali Khan, has been elected as the President of the Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA), thereby assuming the position of Chancellor at Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET). He succeeds Jawaid Anwar as the university’s fourth Chancellor. SSUET was established in 1993 under the leadership of its founding Chancellor, Engr Z A Nizami. Following his passing in 2013, the role was subsequently held by Engr Adil Usman and Jawaid Anwar. Akbar Ali Khan now takes over this prestigious position, continuing his family’s legacy of service to the institution. The AMUOBA elections, held after a decade, witnessed the Zakir Ali Khan Panel securing victory over the Alig United Panel with a margin of 158 to 130 votes. Following his election, Akbar Ali Khan chaired the first Executive Committee meeting of AMUOBA, during which key office bearers we...

Ambassador explains Chinese role in curbing COVID-19

By Masood Sattar Khan  (Pakistan News & Features Services) The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, attended the preparation and response plan of the new crown epidemic on April 24. According to the details shared by the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, Ambassador Yao Jing was invited to attend the Pakistan New Crown Outbreak Preparation and Response Plan (PPRP) on video conference. The meeting, organized by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was also attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister of Economic Affairs, Khasro Bakhtiar, Prime Minister’s Health Adviser Dr Zafar Mirza, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, General Muhammad Afzal, WHO Director-General, Tan Desai besides the representatives of World Bank, United Nations, UNICEF, UNHCR, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and envoys from more than 20 countries.  Besides China, envoys from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, the European Unio...