Energy aid: US releases $280m for two key dam projects
The United States has released $280 million in immediate funds to support improvements in Mangla Dam and complete due diligence on the Kurram Tangi Dam on Friday. The funds are expected to contribute towards increasing electricity supply to the national grid and help overcome the burgeoning energy crisis in the country.
A statement released by the US embassy said that relieving Pakistan’s energy crisis was a top priority for the US civilian assistance program, citing the release of funds as the “latest example of the United States’ long-term and enduring support for Pakistan’s energy sector and for the people of Pakistan”.
Under the Kerry-Lugar funding, United States has been supporting large scale, impact-oriented infrastructure projects aimed at meeting the energy shortfall in Pakistan. The projects, meant to increase energy production as well as improve electricity distribution, are expected to add 900 megawatts to the national grid by 2013.
The financing for dam projects follows United States existing support in the Gomal Zam Dam, Satpara Dam, and Tarbela Dam projects which will generate 120 megawatts upon completion.
“Our institutional support ranges from improving the governance of the power sector to strengthening the performance of Pakistan’s power distribution companies. We are helping develop new policies to rationalise pricing, reduce subsidies, increase revenues, and improve the distribution of energy resources,” the statement added.
This latest tranche of funding follows the release of $1.1 billion in the long overdue Coalition Support Funds (CSF) on Thursday demonstrating a marked improvement in bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States.
The CSF funds, along with other financial disbursements, had been halted after relations between the two countries soured in the aftermath of the Salala attack. However, the reopening of Nato supply routes have resulted in continous US assistance towards infrastructure projects in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 4th, 2012.
COMMENTS (8)
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We loose $ 1 Billion per year in loses at Pakistan Steel, Railways and PIA. What is point of aid? All we need is to run govt institutions honestly and competently. Otherwise no aid no matter how much it is can fill the bellys of cuurent corrupt government.
Pakistanis do not need "the great satan's" money. They have another kaffir country(China) who will look after them. Please take back the money and give it to others.
The comment I am expecting from the Right Wingers.
A good investment in Pakistan .
Will all that money be used for the construction purposes? Will the US Officials keep a check on how the money is used or abused?
And now they'd tell you that we are helping you overcome energy crisis so don't take gas from Iran. Khuda kay liye, open your eyes please.
only 120 megawatts while shortfall is over 5000 mw
A very good step.But please ensure accountability
This is the best gesture by the US for the people of Pakistan. Prior US aid has been used and abused in a way that it never seemed to reach the people. During the era of Gen Mush, the US gave more than $10 billion to Pakistan but not a single KW of energy was added. For most common civilians the benefits of billions of US mean nothing and they hate the US because it always gave huge sums to the military for selling their arms. To avoid the middle men and all the corruption charges, all the US aid should be targeted toward the uplift of poor people and with full oversight and expenses on the Web. Nobody except the deep state would object to the targeted US aid for civilian projects and job growth. That is what real friends would do and with the education and progress people would see the light at the end of long dark tunnel. Thank you for opening your hearts, minds and wallets for the civic needs of Pakistan. This is what we need not the arms and more planes.