- PM performs ground-breaking of 4320MW Dasu Hydropower Project, highlights importance of cheap electricity
- Cost of project’s Stage 1 estimated at Rs 486,093m, will be completed in five years, while the first unit will start production after 4.5 years
- World Bank approves financing of project’s Stage 1 with $ 1048.4m
- Around 30 resettlement sites identified, survey of eight sites completed
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the 4,320 mega watts (MW) Dasu Hydro-Power Project Wednesday at Dasu.
While speaking at the ceremony, the premier said, “Today is a historic day not only for Pakistan but also for the people of the area as we perform the ground-breaking of this project which is a reflection of the present government’s resolve to achieve energy security for fast-paced development of the country. We are spending Rs 500 billion on this area which will provide employment to locals and help significantly in poverty alleviation.”
The prime minister vowed that if his government was allowed to complete his five-year term, he will turn the country’s fate around.
Nawaz said that World Bank’s assistance for this project was a manifestation of sound economic policies of the government.
The prime minister said that River Indus provided 40,000 MW of power potential while only 7,000 MW of electricity had been tapped so far.
“We plan to fully utilise this potential and 4,500 MW Diamer-Bhasha Dam is another project on River Indus which we will take up shortly after Dasu project.”
Nawaz termed the Dasu project a big initiative in terms of its power generation capacity adding that the present government had taken the many steps to provide sufficient energy to the power-starved economy.
The premier, while stressing upon the availability of affordable electricity, said, “Our problem is not merely the availability of electricity; we are striving for cheap and affordable electricity to meet the requirements of growing economy and increasing population. It is through addition of hydel electricity in the system that we can bring down the power tariff and consequently provide relief to the common man.”
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
Earlier, the PM was briefed that Dasu Hydropower Project is a run-of-the-river project at the Indus River located 7 kilometres upstream of Dasu Town, Kohistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
It has installed capacity of 4,320 MW. The project has been proposed to be constructed in the following two stages: the first stage includes six units with total installed capacity of 2,160 MW, land acquisition, resettlement and environmental and social management, while the second stage includes installation of remaining six units.
The total cost of Stage 1 has been estimated to be Rs 486,093.3 million and will be completed in five years, while the first unit will start production after 4.5 years.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) chairman apprised the PM that detailed engineering design studies of Dasu project, including environment and social studies and pre-qualification and bidding documents have been completed.
The ECNEC in its meeting held on March 28 has approved the PC-I of Dasu project for Stage-I with project cost Rs 486,093.30 million.
As many as 30 resettlement sites have been identified and finalised with the consultation of affected people of respective villages. The master plan and survey of eight resettlement sites have already been completed.
The World Bank Board of Directors has approved the financing of Stage-I of Dasu Hydropower Project with US$ 1048.4 million, the premier was told.
