The construction of the 5th extension of Tarbela Hydropower project has been reviewed by a high level meeting which was attended by representatives of World Bank, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and other high ranking officials. The meeting was chaired by Omar Ayub Khan, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs.
During the meeting representative of WAPDA informed the meeting that the contract for electro-mechanical works of 5th Extension of Tarbela has been awarded to a joint venture through an international competitive bidding. The project would be connected with 500kV transmission lines which will be laid by National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) separately for the evacuation of power.
The Minister for Economic Affairs expressed that this project would help to meet 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 bottleneck and impending issues and to ensure timely completion of the project.
The delegation of World Bank appreciated the steps taken by Minister Omar Ayub and WAPDA for streamlining the project and putting it back on track after the project faced initial delays.
The minister directed the project management to ensure hiring of local workforce for the project especially the affectees of Tarbela dam who had suffered because of the land acquisition process for the construction of the dam in 1960s and 1970s. It has also been proposed to upgrade the Vocational Institute, Tarbela Ghazi as Technical College for the uplift of local population.
The World Bank has provided US$ 390 million for 5th extension of Tarbela Hydropower Project which will generate 1,410MW electricity. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has also committed to provide US$300 million for the project.
