Omar Ayub Khan, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of the Tarbela Hydropower Project (T5).
The World Bank has provided US$ 390 million for the 5th extension of the Tarbela Hydropower Project which will generate 1410MW electricity. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has also committed to provide US$ 300 million for this project.
Minister for Economic Affairs also highlighted the issue of hiring local people, especially the Tarbela Dam affectees, by project authorities and contractors. The Minister stresses that local people who have suffered a lot due to land acquisition for construction of the dam in 1960s and 1970s should be given preference in jobs as per policy.
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The representatives of the Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) informed that the contract for electro-mechanical works of the 5th Extension of Tarbela HPP has recently been awarded to a joint venture through international competitive bidding.
The project would be connected with 500kV transmission lines to be laid by National Transmission & Despatch Company (NTDC) separately for the evacuation of power. During the meeting, the World Bank Team appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and WAPDA to put this project on track after initial delays due to various reasons.
Minister for Economic Affairs expressed that this project would help meet the rapidly increasing requirements of water and electricity in the country. It will also improve energy security by increasing the share of clean and affordable energy in the country’s energy mix. The Minister directed to resolve all the bottlenecks and impending issues and to ensure timely completion of the project.
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Further, the Minister directed the relevant authorities to facilitate the local residents in their mobility in the project areas and provide alternate access routes.
At the request of the local community, the Minister also proposed to upgrade the Vocational Institute Tarbela Ghazi as Technical College. Furthermore, the Minister also discussed the proposal to start community development schemes under Corporate Social Responsibility by relevant authorities.
