The United Business Group (UBG) of FPCCI on Tuesday said hydel power is cheapest source of power generation but it is not getting the attention it deserves. Sites having potential to generate 65 thousand megawatt have been identified but pace of work is not satisfactory, said Chairman UBG North Zone and FPCCI presidential candidate of Abdul Rauf Alam.
Speaking at a lunch in connection with the election campaign, he said that hydel power costs Rs 1.25 per unit which jumps to 16 if electricity is generated through imported oil.
Abdul Rauf Alam said that a lobby used issue of a controversial dam to ditch or slowdown many Hydel power projects in favour of oil-based power plants to ensure personal welfare.
He lamented that 87 hydel power projects have been identified which will not only settle energy crisis but also tackle food security issue due to 42 million acre feet of storage.
Delay in Diamer-Bhasha dam is costing nation three billion dollars per annum which is unacceptable, he said, adding that Pakistan needs additional 50 thousand megawatt of electricity in next fifteen years without which economy will collapse.
The business leader who has also served as president ICCI said that WAPDA was once respected globally for its transparency, technical knowhow and efficiency but situation changed when incompetent were appointed at the help in 70s.
