Diamer-Basha dam ‘crucial’ for sustainable development

Wapda chairman describes dam as a 'game-changer for the country

GILGIT:

Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman Lieutenant General (Retd) Muzammil Hussain on Sunday said the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam was one of the most important projects for sustainable development.

He visited the site and reviewed the ongoing progress and pace of the project.

Speaking on the occasion, the chairman said that the dam would remedy water scarcity for agriculture, help prevent floods and generate affordable hydropower. He added that for the completion of this project, as per the schedule in 2028-29, concerted efforts were required by all the concerned agencies.

"The dam would bring stability in the national economy and ameliorate poverty," a press release quoted him as saying.

Describing the project as a "game-changer" for the local people, he said Wapda was spending a huge amount of Rs78.50 billion as a confidence-building measure.

Commander 10 Corps Lieutenant General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also accompanied him on the visit.

General Manager (Land Acquisition and Resettlement) Wapda Brigadier (Retd) Shoaib Taqi, General Manager (Diamer Bhasha Dam Project) Muhammad Yousuf Rao besides representatives of consultants and contractors were also present on the occasion.

Lieutenant General Sahir Shamshad Mirza said that the dam held national importance.

Reiterating the full support of the Pakistan Army in the construction of the dam, he said that Army was committed to providing a safe and conducive environment in the project area so that the construction work on all the sites of the project continues uninterrupted.

Earlier, during a briefing by the project management on the progress of the project, it was informed that simultaneous construction work was underway at 8 different sites of the project which includes construction of a permanent bridge and 21 MW Tangier hydropower project, as well as excavation from above for construction of the dam, includes excavation of diversion tunnel, diversion canal, diversion inlet and power in tech.

A briefing was also given on the details of various ongoing projects for the development of health, education, tourism and infrastructure under the confidence-building measures for the welfare of the local people.

During the briefing, it was informed that during the construction of the Diamer Bhasha dam, 16,500 job opportunities would be created in phases in which local people were being given priority, adding that WAPDA consultants and contractors were still employing 3,200 locals.