Islamabad: The World Bank (WB) has launched its evaluation of the federal government’s request for funds to expand the Dasu Hydropower Project, a news source reported. As per the publication, the incumbent government has requested the bank to provide funds worth USD 700 million for increasing the project’s electricity supply levels.
In this regard, the WB recently released a project
information document. The details of the document indicated that the bank’s
executive board expected to approve the loan next month (March).
The incumbent government plans to utilise the funds for financing
the first phase of the Dasu project. If approved, these funds would also cover
the construction of a high-voltage, alternating current transmission line from
Dasu to Islamabad West and Mansehra substations. This line will also have the
capacity to carry power supply to other parts of the country in the future.
Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lieutenant
General (retired) Muzammil Hussain has stated that the government requires USD 26
billion for the construction of major dams across the country.
These dams include the Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu projects. The chairman revealed that they needed USD 15 billion to construct the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. He added that a further USD 8 billion and USD 3 billion was required for the construction of the Dasu and Mohmand dams, respectively.
Hussain went on to state that the construction work on the Diamer-Bhasha
dam would be commencing this year and that power generation would begin in
2028. He added that the construction of the Mohmand Dam was expected to be completed
during the high-flow season in 2025 — as per the timelines prescribed.
