K-P Assembly finds flaws in Dir power projects

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly's Standing Committee on Energy and Power has completed its inquiry into four incomplete Mini and Micro Hydropower Projects (MHPPs) launched in 2014 in Upper Dir district, Shangara, Derai, Berari, and Sarafu, and submitted a detailed report to the provincial government.

The committee found severe construction flaws, low-quality materials, and prolonged delays in completion.

According to the committee's report, serious irregularities were discovered in civil works, including poor-quality water channels and retaining walls. The committee has recommended rebuilding these structures using proper materials, replacing substandard machinery installed during Phase I with high-quality imported equipment, and recovering losses from the contractor responsible for poor work.

It further directed the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) to submit a clear completion deadline for all pending projects and barred the use of Phase II funds for Phase I schemes until these issues are resolved. PEDO was also instructed to utilize the withheld Rs190 million from the contractor's payment to complete the projects and to provide monthly progress updates to the committee.

The inquiry originated from a question raised in the Assembly on December 30, 2024, by JUI-F MPA Rehana Ismail, which led the committee to hold three formal sessions. A team of committee members also conducted field inspections across Upper Dir, visiting the sites at Derai Hattan, Shangara, Berari, Sarafu, Kalkot, Siah Shringal, Dogra Paeen, Mina Dog, Panakot, and Asherai.

During the visits, the Derai Hattan project was found non-functional for three months, and substandard materials were used. At the Shangara site, temperature effects had caused cracks, prompting orders for immediate repairs. In Sarafu, large portions of machinery and equipment had been stolen, with no FIR registered. The Berari project was inaccessible to the committee team during the visit.

In Kalkot, work on the water channel remained incomplete, and machinery had not been provided, preventing the start of power generation. The Siah Shringal Phase I project was damaged by the 2022 floods, and due to a land dispute, alternative land was never provided, halting progress. The Dogra Paeen project had been formally handed over to the local community but remains stalled due to a personal feud involving a local resident who has obstructed access to the site.