Progress on dam projects reviewed

Committee commends WAPDA, highlights land acquisition success

ISLAMABAD:

The Implementation Committee on Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams (ICDBMD), constituted by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, convened to review the ongoing progress of both projects at its meeting in the ICDBMD Secretariat, Islamabad.

Chaired by Chairman of Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and ICDBMD, Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), the meeting brought together key stakeholders including the Chief Secretary of Gilgit Baltistan, Additional Secretary (Budget) from the Finance Division, and the Secretary/Senior Member Board of Revenue from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), along with other officials via Zoom.

Ghani expressed satisfaction with the strides made by ICDBMD and its Sub Committees toward the expeditious execution of the Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dam Projects. Acknowledging the committee’s significant contribution, he emphasised its pivotal role in addressing challenges encountered during project implementation.

Read WAPDA chairman reviews Diamer-Basha Dam Project diversion system

In the meeting, Member (Finance) WAPDA presented an overview of the financial aspects of both projects. Detailed progress reports were also provided by the General Manager Land Acquisition & Resettlement, Chief Executive Officer of Diamer Basha Dam Company, and the General Manager of Mohmand Dam, outlining achievements and challenges encountered in the project development.

Updates highlighted substantial advancement in construction work for both projects. Last week, WAPDA accomplished partial diversion of River Indus at the Diamer Basha Dam Project, with plans to reach a crucial milestone in the coming days. Similarly, concerted efforts are underway to complete the diversion of River Swat for the Mohmand Dam during the current low-flow season.

The Committee commended the progress made in land acquisition for both Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams, lauding the collaborative efforts of WAPDA and district administrations. The meeting concluded with a positive outlook on the overall status of the projects, emphasising the collective commitment to their successful and timely completion.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2023.

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