US-funded Tarbela restoration project complete

US envoy, WAPDA chairman inaugurate first phase of the project.

LAHORE: The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has completed the first phase of the rehabilitation project of Tarbela hydropower station, adding 128 megawatts (MW) to the system.

The US-funded restoration project was inaugurated by US Ambassador Richard Olson along with Wapda Chairman Syed Raghib Shah on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion the Wapda chairman said, “We appreciate the support of the United States to the energy sector in Pakistan. Projects like these will help minimise power shortages in the country.”

Dilating upon the two-pronged strategy for optimal utilisation of hydel resources, Shah said that Wapda was not only constructing the new projects but also rehabilitating and upgrading its aging power houses. Besides adding a good quantum of electricity to the system to cater to increasing demand, the projects will also help provide cheaper electricity to the people, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, US envoy Olson said, “The US understands that Pakistan is facing an energy crisis and we are committed to doing our part. The work completed at Tarbela will contribute enough power to supply two million customers, and help provide relief to those suffering from extensive power shortages.”

The United States Agency for International Development provided $16.5 million to Wapda to repair three power generation units and to train staff to operate the upgraded equipment.



Relieving Pakistan’s energy crisis was a top priority for US assistance to Pakistan. In addition to Tarbela, the US was also funding other high impact projects in hydropower sector, such as rehabilitation of the Mangla power station. The US government was also co-financing the completion of Gomal Zam and Satpara dams, which will add another 35MW and irrigate more than 200,000 acres of land.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2013.

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