Tarbela fifth extension: WAPDA to submit $795.8m plan for approval

Discusses cost estimates to ensure accuracy.

LAHORE: In a significant development for implementation of the 1,410-megawatt Tarbela fifth extension project, the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has decided to submit PC-I of the project amounting to $795.8 million to the Ministry of Water and Power for approval of the Planning Commission.

The decision was taken during the authority’s meeting held at the Wapda House. The meeting was presided over by Chairman Zafar Mahmood.

Earlier, a detailed presentation was made by General Manager (Tarbela Dam Project) Iqbal Masood Siddiqui. Wapda held detailed discussions on the cost estimates with a view to ensuring that the cost was accurate and in accordance with relevant parameters.

It was noted that revision of the PC-I resulted in escalation of the cost and delay in scheduled completion of work.

The Tarbela fifth extension project is part of the least-cost hydel power generation plan of the federal government, being executed by Wapda.

As per details, the existing tunnel number five of the Tarbela dam will be converted into a power tunnel without affecting the irrigation release capabilities.

Three units with a generation capacity of 470MW each will be installed to generate 1,410MW of electricity during the summer season. The project’s internal rate of return has been estimated at 13.5%.

The meeting was attended by Member (Water) Muhammad Shoaib Iqbal, Member (Power) Badrul Munir Murtiza, Member (Finance) Anwarul Haq and Wapda Secretary Syed Khalid Akhlaq Gilani.

Project authorities and representatives of consultants were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, March  26^th,  2015.

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