Diamer Basha Dam project lifeline for country’s economy: Ahmed Mukhtar

Minister for Water and Power, Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar has said that Govt is determined to construct the mega Water and Power sector projects and all the options would be considered for their financing to complete them within shortest possible time frame.
He made these remarks while presiding over a meeting on Diamer Basha dam projects here Thursday. The meeting was attended by Secretary Water and Power, Additional Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Adviser Basha Dam, Chairman Wapda and senior official of Planning Commission, Wapda, Ministry of Finance and Water and Power.
The Minister stated that construction of mega water projects to enhance water shortage and to produce cheaper electricity is the top priority of the government. He observed that Basha Dam is life line for country’s economy and its construction will reduce dependence on thermal generation, save foreign exchange; create employment and socio- economic uplift of the area and standard of living of people.
The meeting asked Wapda, economic affairs division and Ministry of Water and Power to furnish a report with all the options and commitment from donors to finance the 4500 MW Diamer Basha Dam Project.
Earlier, the Chairman Wapda briefed the meeting on the current status of the project; its benefits land acquisition, infrastructure development, compensation package, allocation by the govt and other related issues. He told the meeting that 35% work on infrastructure development has been completed while the land acquisition and remaining work on infrastructure would be completed by 2013.