The federal government has provided Rs3.9 billion to Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities to acquire land for construction of country’s most vital project – Diamer Basha dam.
The process of acquisition of land is continuing and after its completion, work would start which is expected most probably by the end of this year.
A senior official on Friday said land for construction of WAPDA project offices has already been taken over and for the purpose 13 local construction contracts were awarded. The official said that Diamer Basha Dam project is the largest development project in the history of the country which will leave positive impact on the national economy.
About the benefits of the project, he said the water storage will be 8.1 MAF and estimated annual benefits would be Rs50.8 billion. He said electricity generation capacity of the project will be 4500 MW while annual estimated energy contribution will be 19 billion units with annual benefit advantages of Rs106.6 billion.
He said after construction of Diamer Basha dam, the life of Tarbela Dam will be enhanced by 35 years and cost of project will be recovered in 8 years. To a question, he said the dam would not only help mitigate chances of flood, but also ensure employment opportunities for around 15,000 persons during construction phase. The official said the construction of Kurram Tangi Dam and Munda Dam will also be started during 2011.
