The Central Asia South Asia (CASA) electric transmission project has proven to be extremely challenging for the authorities in terms of finances and distribution. National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) has sought out an additional financing of 35 million dollars for the project.
According to the sources, the total cost of the project is said to be 185 million dollars out of which, 46 million dollars are said to be attained during the current financial year. The completion time of the project has been extended by three more years.
The reason for the need of additional funds is said to be the cost of additional activities mainly including observation and implementation of reverse energy flow from Pakistan to Central Asia and other receivers. NTDC informed the World Bank mission currently financing the project of the additional costs and requirements to complete it and get it running in due time. NTDC will be further contacting the Bank via Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Authorities informed the mission that the construction on the site of the project will be completed by the end of this year. The required equipment is being transported to the site and the government has ordered for careful handling of the equipment in order to decrease any chances of further delays. Pakistan is supposed to receive a total sum of 600,000 dollars through this project which will be used to fulfill the needs of building activities in general including the installation of video conference facilities in certain places.
