Islamabad:
Federal Water Resources Minister Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo announced that electricity production from the Tarbela 5th Extension hydroelectric project is expected to start next year. The project has a total installation capacity of 1,530 megawatts and, at the end, will provide the national network an average of 1.347 billion in low -cost hydroelectricity units per year.
The minister, as well as the president of WAPDA, Naveed Asghar Chaudhry, visited the construction site the other day. GM Tarbela Dam, GM Power Tarbela, GM / PD Tarbela 5th Extension, project managers, consultants and entrepreneurs were also present on this occasion.
The Minister said that the mega hydroelectric projects under construction of Wapda, including Tarbela 5th Extension, are priority projects in the cheapest energy production plan of the government. The Ministry of Water Resources provides total support for WAPDA for the completion of these vital projects according to their deadlines, he said, adding that the government has committed to adding clean, green and environmentally friendly electricity to the national network in priority to relieve consumers and stabilize the national economy.
During the visit, the Minister examined progress on the key elements of the project, including admission of power, Catestock, power and connection tunnel. He was informed of progress as well as deadlines for the completion of critical activities.
The Minister was informed that construction work on the seven key work fronts increased at a good pace, while electricity production from the project should start in 2026. Expressing satisfaction with progress, the Minister urged management to complete the project after time limits.
The minister has also provided updates to other major projects. He said that the Mohmand dam should be completed by 2027-28, while work on the DASU dam progressed quickly and will be completed soon. Regarding the Diamer-Bhasha dam, he noted that the project will need more time for completion.
The government focuses on increasing water storage, electricity production and economic development, said the Minister, adding that the Prime Minister is particularly attentive to these initiatives, even calling meetings to explore means to improve water storage.
The president of WAPDA, Naveed, Asghar Chaudhry, has reiterated that the cost of electricity per unit can vary depending on the international currency fluctuations, but efforts are underway to complete the project as soon as possible.
It is relevant to mention that Wapda builds the Tarbela 5th Extension hydroelectric project on Tunnel N ° 5 of the Tarbela dam. The World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank provide $ 390 million and $ 300 million respectively for the construction of the project.
