The World Bank is providing financial support worth $1.527 billion for Dasu Hydropower Project and $390 million for Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project, according to the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).
Additionally, said the public utility agency, the World Bank is also funding Institutional Assessment and Reforms Consultancy Services (IARC) for WAPDA. According to the statement, WAPDA Chairman Lt. Gen. Muhammad Saeed (retd.) met World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Bolormaa Amgabbazar to review financial matters of Dasu and Tarbela 5th Extension hydropower projects.
During the meeting, the chairman appreciated the World Bank for its role as key development partner in harnessing vital resource of hydel electricity in Pakistan. Highlighting the importance of Dasu and Tarbela 5th Extension hydropower projects for energy security of Pakistan, he said that both projects would help ensure affordable and clean electricity for the socio-economic development of the country.
The chairman said the IARC would further strengthen institutional capacity and efficiency, transforming WAPDA into a more efficient and robust organization aligned with international best practices.
The country director reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to continued financial support for WAPDA’s hydropower portfolio. She acknowledged WAPDA’s efforts in advancing the shared vision of promoting clean, green and sustainable energy development in Pakistan.
The 4,320MW-Dasu Hydropower Project is being constructed across River Indus in the Upper Kohistan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. At present, WAPDA is constructing Stage-I of the project, which would generate 2,160 MW electricity. While, Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is being constructed on Tunnel No. 5 of Tarbela Dam with installed generation capacity of 1,530MW.