Islamabad:
Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, has announced that electricity generation from Tarbela 5. Extension Hydropower project is expected to begin next year. The project has a total installed capacity of 1,530 megawatts and will, after completion, deliver the national grid with an average of 1,347 billion units with low cost horror horror annually.
The minister, together with WAPDA -President Naveed Asghar Chaudhry, visited the construction site the other day. GM Tarbela Dam, GM Power Tarbela, GM/PD Tarbela 5. Expansion, project managers, consultants and contractors were also present on the occasion.
The Minister stated that MEGA Hydropower projects under the construction of WAPDA, including Tarbela 5. Extension, are priority projects in the government’s least cost generation plan. The Ministry of Water Resources provides full support for WAPDA for the completion of these vital projects under their timelines, he said, adding that the government is obliged to add pure, green and environmentally friendly electricity to the national network as a priority to provide relief to consumers and stabilize the national economy.
During the visit, the Minister reviewed progress with key components of the project, including power intake, penstock, power center and tunnel connecting. He was informed of progress as well as timelines for the end of critical activities.
The Minister was informed that construction work on all seven central work fronts progressed at a good pace, while electricity production from the project is expected to begin in 2026. The term satisfaction over progress, the Minister called on the management to complete the project after the timelines.
The Minister also provided updates on other major projects. He said the Mohmand dam is expected to be completed by 2027-28, while the work on the DASU dam progresses quickly and will be completed soon. With regard to the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, he noted that the project will require more time for completion.
The government focuses on increasing water storage, power production and economic development, the minister said, adding that the prime minister is particularly aware of these initiatives, even calling meetings to explore ways to improve water storage.
WAPDA chairman Naveed Asghar Chaudhry reiterated that the cost of electricity per Unit may vary depending on international currency fluctuations, but the effort is in the process of completing the project as soon as possible.
It is relevant to mention that WAPDA constructs the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower project on tunnel # 5 in Tarbela Dam. The World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank deliver USD 390 million and US $ 300 million respectively for the construction of the project.
