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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Fund reallocation for timely completion sought: World Bank backs govt, Wapda on T5HP extension
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has reaffirmed its full financial support to the Government of Pakistan and WAPDA for the completion of the Tarbela Hydropower Project Extension-5 (T5HP), citing the need for fund reallocation to ensure timely completion. In a letter addressed to Secretary Economic Affairs, Dr. Kazim Niaz, World Bank senior official Gailius J. Draugelis commended the hospitality extended by WAPDA and its project teams during the recent visit of the Bank's Executive Directors to the historic Tarbela Dam, the Tarbela Fourth Extension Hydropower Project (T4HP), and T5HP. Tarbela Dam, the world's largest earth-fill dam, remains a key infrastructure landmark. The T4HP has added 1,410 megawatts (MW) to Pakistan's power grid since its commissioning in 2018, generating over 28,000 GWh of clean electricity and saving the country approximately $3.5 billion in foreign exchange. Additionally, the project has enhanced the long-term sustainability of the dam by protecting critical tunnels from sedimentation for the next 50 years. World Bank team visits Tarbela 5th extension hydropower project The Bank expressed satisfaction with the progress of the hydropower component being implemented by WAPDA. It noted that both the Tarbela 5 Project Implementation Consultants (T5PIC) and the contractors—Power Construction Corporation of China (PCCCL) for civil works, and Harbin Electric International/Harbin Electric Company (HEVHEC) for electromechanical (E&M) works—have been performing well. PCCCL has nearly completed the vertical shaft of the raised intake during this low-flow season and has opened the portal inside Tunnel 5, marking a critical milestone. The next phase involves connecting this portal with the vertical shaft through a connection tunnel. While overall progress on the powerhouse is satisfactory, the World Bank has asked WAPDA to closely monitor construction of the erection/loading bay, which is crucial for the upcoming E&M installations. The Bank urged WAPDA and T5PIC to ensure that rehabilitation work on the bulkhead and service gates of Tunnel 5 begins no later than August 2025. According to the revised contract schedule, generation units in T5HP are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2026. The Bank emphasized that timely rehabilitation of the service gate is essential for smooth commissioning. Electromechanical works are also progressing steadily. Installation activities will accelerate once the erection/loading bay is completed. The Bank has asked WAPDA and T5PIC to (i) monitor the timely delivery of E&M equipment to ensure the majority is on-site by end-2025; and (ii) direct the contractor to finalize the schedule for completing the works at the T4 switchyard, including shifting transmission lines that affect construction of the T5 Transmission Line (T5TL) towers. The World Bank acknowledged improvements in project oversight, noting that the Project Manager has significantly enhanced construction sequencing and physical progress through timely technical decisions. However, it also advised WAPDA to manage the T5PIC consultancy contract efficiently to ensure sufficient budget for continued supervision by key experts for the duration of the project. The Bank highlighted the need to reallocate approximately $50 million from the E&M component to the civil works component under both the IBRD and AIIB loans, despite the project having an undisbursed balance of around $299 million. This reallocation is critical to prevent financing constraints in FY2026. The World Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting WAPDA and the government in completing T5HP. It acknowledged the expected financing gap due to unforeseen geological conditions, gate rehabilitation costs, and price escalations. Regarding the T5 Transmission Line (T5TL), which connects the T5HP switchyard to the Islamabad West Substation (IWS) and T1–T4 switchyard, the Bank noted that the contract—awarded to Netracon Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd.—is under implementation. The contractor has completed 148 tower foundations and erected 129 towers, and has pledged to deliver all remaining equipment by July 2025. The Bank urged NTDC, T5PIC, and the contractor to finalize the remaining line route, tower quantities, and foundation designs, particularly near Gawari Sand Quarry and close to the IWS. It also asked NTDC to ensure immediate commencement of conductor stringing and full compliance with the Resettlement Action Plan as foundation and erection works progress. The Bank emphasized its intent to support Pakistan's long-term transmission expansion through a proposed multi-phase program to boost energy security. With IWS set to receive 1,530 MW from T5HP and 2,160 MW from Dasu Hydropower Stage-I in the coming years, the Bank has advised NTDC to plan the power evacuation accordingly, including evaluating the expansion of the 765kV transmission system to Lahore, Faisalabad, and other major load centres. The sources said, the issue of reallocation of funds will also be discussed at a meeting between the World Bank and Government's line Ministries on Friday (today). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Dasu project to start generation in 2027
Listen to article Chairman WAPDA Naveed Asghar Chaudhry visited the Dasu Hydropower Project today to review construction work at key sites, including the main dam, powerhouse, transformer cavern, and the relocated section of the Karakoram Highway (KKH-1). The GM/PD Dasu Hydropower Project and representatives of the consultants and contractors were also present. The chairman presided over a progress review meeting at the project office, where the project team briefed him on targets and achievements. Construction is currently underway at 20 different sites and is progressing at a satisfactory pace. The excavation works on both the right and left abutments of the main dam have been completed. The extended right bypass tunnel and right-side open channel are also complete and ready to divert excess river flow during the high-flow season. Power generation is expected to commence in 2027.
Business Recorder
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dasu hydropower project to start generating power by 2027: Asghar
LAHORE: Chairman WAPDA Naveed Asghar Chaudhry visited Dasu Hydropower Project Tuesday to review construction work on key sites, including the main dam, powerhouse, transformer cavern and the relocated section of the Karakoram Highway (KKH-1). The GM/PD Dasu Hydropower Project and representatives of the Consultants and the Contractors were also present on the occasion. The Chairman also presided over a progress review meeting at the project office. The project management team briefed him about the targets and the achievements on the project. He was briefed that construction work is currently underway on 20 different sites and is progressing at a steady yet satisfactory pace. Referring to the targets achieved so far and the milestones to be achieved in the days to come, it was briefed that the excavation works on both the right and left abutments of the main dam have been completed. The extended right bypass tunnel and the right-side open channel have also been completed and are ready to divert excess river flow during the high-flow season. Excavation of the main dam foundation is continuing and is scheduled for completion by October this year. Placement of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) in the main dam is expected to begin in March 2026. The excavation of the underground powerhouse is expected to be completed by February 2026, while the 25-kilometer-long relocated KKH-1-comprising seven tunnels and three bridges - is scheduled for completion by March 2026. Power generation from the project is expected to commence in 2027. Highlighting the strategic importance of Dasu Hydropower Project for Pakistan's energy needs and economic stability, the Chairman urged the Consultants and the Contractors to excel their efforts to meet the project timelines. Emphasizing upon the significance of maintaining the highest construction standards, the Chairman directed the Contractors to adhere to the stipulated quality standards for completion of the project. The 4,320 MW Dasu Hydropower Project is being constructed on the River Indus in Upper Kohistan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the financial assistance of the World Bank. The project is planned to be completed in two stages. Currently, WAPDA is executing Stage I, which will have an installed capacity of 2,160 MW and generate 12 billion units of clean, green, and affordable electricity annually. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Lt Gen Ghani quits as Pakistan Water Authority head amid IWT rift
The chairperson of Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Lieutenant General Sajjad Ghani (Retd.), has resigned his post. People in the know told ET that Ghani's exit followed differences between the civilian administration and the military over the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). According to the people cited earlier, differences have also emerged within both the WAPDA and Pakistan's ministry of water resources, which created conditions for Ghani's resignation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has forwarded the matter to the cabinet division for the approval of Ghani's resignation, they said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Full mouth dental implants for the elderly in Malaysia - see prices in 2025 Dental Implants | Search Ads Search Now Undo Pakistan's civil administration has been blaming the army's top brass for creating conditions that led India to put the IWT in abeyance, people aware of the matter told ET, adding that the civilian administration has also blamed the army for the brewing crisis. Ghani, an ethnic Kashmiri, was appointed WAPDA chairperson in August 2022. He is the son of actor Ahmed Taha Ghani. He was GOC 19 DIV (Jhelum) in the Pakistan army and later moved to HQ of Northern Swat in 2009. There are allegations of corruption against Ghani when he was in Swat. Later, he headed 5 Corps Karachi (2013 - 2015) of the Pakistan Army. As Corps Commander, he oversaw operational preparedness in southern Pakistan. He retired from military service in 2016. Live Events Ghani was also appointed to the board of directors of Kot Addu Power Company (KAPCO) on August 17, 2022. The IWT was suspended by New Delhi after India-Pakistan ties deteriorated sharply following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam . New Delhi has asserted that IWT will remain in abeyance until Islamabad "credibly and irrevocably" abjures support to cross-border terrorism as "water and blood" cannot flow together.
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Wapda chairman resigns
ISLAMABAD: Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen. Sajjad Ghani (retd) has resigned from his post due to personal reasons Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has appreciated his services and sent his resignation to the Cabinet Division for approval. Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (retd) played a key role in the effective running of the national institution and monitoring important projects in the energy sector. The Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for him. His predecessor had also resigned. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
