Energy crisis: Five hydropower projects initiated in K-P

PEDO chairman says decisions will be taken on merit without political interference

PESHAWAR: At least five 214 megawatt (MW) hydropower projects have been initiated in the province while three 56MW hydropower projects will be completed this year.

This was stated in a handout issued by Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization on Sunday. These decisions were taken during the 12th PEDO meeting held the same day.

“The provincial government is taking effective measures to accelerate the pace of generating electricity to pull the country out of the energy crisis,” stated the document.

During the meeting, participants decided Munda Dam and other projects will be included in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

“The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will assist in developing 1,000 mini-micro hydropower stations in areas where people have been deprived of electricity,” the handout read.

Participants also discussed steps that were being taken for the welfare of PEDO employees. PEDO CEO Akbar Ayub Khan briefed participants about ongoing hydropower projects in the province.

“Three energy projects will be completed this year which would generate 56MW of electricity,” the handout quoted him as saying. “Meanwhile, work on five more hydropower projects had been initiated that would produce 214MW of electricity.”

He added the provincial government initiated work on 356 mini-micro hydel stations and the number of projects will increase to 1,000 with the financial support of the ADB.

Meanwhile, Shakeel Durrani, chairman of the organisation, said PEDO is an autonomous organisation and there was no political pressure on it. He added all decisions would be taken on merit and in the best interest of the province. Durrani added the provincial government was carrying out efforts to induct the proposed Munda Dam and other projects in CPEC.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th,  2016.