A novel mechanism has been established for the construction of the Dasu dam, the success of which will open avenues for more mega water and power projects. PHOTO: FILE
LAHORE: The Dasu hydropower project has got a boost as 10 firms and joint ventures with years of experience in project implementation have submitted proposals for the construction of the major dam.
Apart from this, eight of them have also submitted bids for construction of an underground power complex for the project.
Some of the companies have hinted at making financial arrangements for building the main dam and power complex.
“This positive response from major project implementation firms is a result of efforts to attract business and lure investors to this huge hydropower plant,” said Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda).
According to Wapda, these firms and joint ventures are internationally recognised in the development of mega hydropower projects. Four of them are from Turkey, one from Italy, three from China, one from South Korea and one from Vietnam.
Evaluation of the proposals had got under way and after completion of the process, bid documents would be issued to pre-qualified investors, it said.
A novel mechanism has been established for the construction of the Dasu dam. Success of the mechanism will open avenues for more mega water and power projects such as Diamer-Bhasha dam and Bunji, Pattan and Thakot hydropower projects.
Dasu is a run-of-the-river project being constructed on the Indus River near Dasu town in Kohistan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The project, with expected capacity of generating 4,320 megawatts, is being implemented in two stages. The World Bank is financing the first stage with a credit of $588.4 million and partial credit guarantee of $460 million.
On completion, the first stage will contribute more than 12 billion units of cheap, affordable and environment-friendly electricity to the national grid.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2015.
Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ