The first TBM shall be operational by mid-February, followed by the second TBM after another 45 days. PHOTO: FILE
The Neelum Jhelum hydropower project is progressing at a very high pace, and is 4% ahead of schedule despite lack of funds and power, according to a statement issued by the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), which denies the impression that the expensive equipment is going to waste.
The two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have been fully assembled and deployed at the project site, however, they have not yet been put into operation due to lack of funds and alternate power arrangements.
The spokesperson of Wapda said that though, the contractor was in need of money and pressing hard for payment of its certified amounts, construction work on the project is continuing. “Despite these irritants, the project is progressing at a very high pace, 4% ahead of schedule.”
The arrival of TBMs started in January and continued till August 2012, and the manufacturer specifies five to six months for assembly and two months for testing and initiation of actual operation.
The two TBMs were procured at a total cost of $92 million. The Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Company has paid $60 million so far to the contractor for onward payments to the manufacturer.
Moreover, power requirement for the TBMs was 15 megawatts. For adequate and reliable power supply, two generators have been brought to the site, and the other two will arrive by February.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2013.
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lets not to blame each other and look forward and work harder for the bright future of our country
@Naresh: He probably excluded Hindus, Ahmedis, Shias, Christians, Baluch, Hazaras, and dual nationals.
@Pakistan: *Congratulations India !
Pakistan have lost 30% water royalty of this river due to massive delay in project. . US & India or any other countries are not the enemy of this Islamic republic but the authorities / rulers like Meer Jafar & Meer sadak are the real enemy of 121 million people of Pakistan. . Well said! Pakistan's Enemies are from within not without. . BTW : Pakistan's Population is not 121 Million. It is over 200 Million . Cheers
Congratulations India !
Pakistan have lost 30% water royalty of this river due to massive delay in project.
US & India or any other countries are not the enemy of this Islamic republic but the authorities / rulers like Meer Jafar & Meer sadak are the real enemy of 121 million people of Pakistan.