ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, Federal government awards DiamerBhasha Dam Project to joint venture of FWO – Power China.
After Prime Minister Imran Khan directed to immediately start theconstruction work of Diamer Bhasha Dam, the Water and Power DevelopmentAuthority (Wapda) on Wednesday awarded the contract for civil andelectro-mechanical works.
As per details, an agreement worth Rs442 Billion with a joint venturenamely Power China-FWO was signed today for construction of diversionsystem, main dam, access bridge and 21 MW-Tangir Hydropower Project.
Diamer-Basha Dam Chief Executive Officer Amir Bashir Chaudhry andauthorized representative Yang Jiandu, signed the agreement on behalf ofWAPDA and the joint venture respectively.
Water Resources Federal Minister Muhammad Faisal Vawda, Chinese AmbassadorYao Jing, Water Resources Federal Secretary Muhammad Ashraf, WAPDA ChairmanLt Gen Muzammil Hussain (Retd), Pakistan Army Engineer-in-Chief Lt GenMoazzam Ejaz and FWO DG Maj Gen Kamal Azfar were also present on theoccasion.
Addressing the ceremony, Faisal Vawda congratulated WAPDA and PowerChina-FWO Joint Venture, saying that today’s event is a good omen for theconstruction of much-needed dams in Pakistan. He said that the constructionof Diamer Basha Dam will commence in a few weeks.
Dilating upon the developments of the water sector by the incumbentgovenrment, the minister said that after Mohmand Dam, which was inauguratedby the Prime Minister in May last year, Diamer Basha is the second megamulti-purpose dam that is to be started in a span of just one year.
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Speaking on the occasion, WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (Retd)said that Diamer Basha Dam will go a long way for economic development andsocial uplift of the country.
It must be noted that the Diamer Basha Dam Project, with a total financialoutlay of about Rs1406.5 billion, will be completed in 2028.
The country could generate 4,500 megawatts electricity from the dam andovercome the shortage of water.
After the construction of the dam, 1.23 million acres of land could be usedfor agriculture purpose. The government will spend Rs78.5 billion for thesocial development of the areas situated around the Diamer Bhasha Dam.
Moreover, the dam will also reduce the government’s spendings worthbillions to counter the disasters of floods every year.
