Germany’s KfW to continue to fund water, power projects in Pakistan

Is already financing four water and hydroelectric power projects

LAHORE: German financial institution KfW has emphasised that it will continue to support the development of water and hydroelectric power resources in Pakistan, which needs to step up efforts to conserve water and boost cheap electricity production in order to satisfy growing appetite of consumers.

The assurance came during a meeting between a three-member delegation of KfW, headed by Dr Frank Albert, Division Chief, Infrastructure and Financial Sector, and Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman Lieutenant General (Retired) Muzammil Hussain at the Wapda House.



Matters relating to financial assistance for Wapda projects in water and hydroelectric power sectors were discussed during the huddle.

Referring to the long-standing cooperation between KfW and Wapda, Albert said their institution was pleased to be a partner in the progress of Pakistan through the development of water and hydroelectric power resources.

KfW is providing funds for four Wapda projects - Keyal Khwar hydroelectric power project, rehabilitation of Warsak hydroelectric power project, Glacier Monitoring Research Centre and Harpo hydroelectric power project.

Speaking on the occasion, the Wapda chairman said funds provided by international financial institutions including KfW were vital for the execution of water and hydroelectric power projects in order to cope with increasing requirements of water and electricity in the country.

He appreciated KfW’s financial support for the implementation of Wapda projects and voiced hope that the mutual cooperation would further strengthen in future projects.

Later, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tando Jam Vice Chancellor Dr Mujeebuddin Memon held a meeting with the Wapda chairman.



Issues concerning water conservation, water logging and cropping patterns were discussed in the meeting. The Wapda chairman emphasised that cooperation between SAU and Wapda would help promote more productive use of land and water resources.

Already, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) exists between SAU and Wapda to support research and exchange of technical expertise, leading to sustainable development of land and water resources in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2017.

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