EU grants 1.2m euros for climate change study

Assures WAPDA of cooperation in future projects as well.

LAHORE: The European Union has provided a grant of 1.2 million euros for conducting a climate change impact assessment study in Swat basin in the wake of Munda Dam multi-purpose project in Mohmand Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

For the study, a joint venture comprising two renowned firms – AHT of Germany and Nespak of Pakistan – has been appointed consultants.

“The EU will continue to support Wapda in implementation of its projects and will explore ways and means to further enhance mutual cooperation in future projects,” said Berend De Groot, EU Head of Operation in Islamabad.

He expressed these views while leading a delegation comprising representatives of the EU and consultants in a meeting with Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman Raghib Shah on Monday. They discussed matters relating to Munda Dam and other Wapda projects.

Thanking the EU for its support, he said the grant would help implement this vital project. At present, a detailed engineering design and tender documents for the dam project are being prepared, for which French development agency AFD has committed to provide 11 million euros to Wapda.

Underlining the need of foreign assistance for the completion of projects, the Wapda chairman expressed the hope the EU would also provide financial support for the construction of Munda Dam.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2012.