The World Bank (WB) has expressed concerns about the slow progress of the Dasu Hydropower Project (DHP). The organization urges the Pakistani government and the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to quickly address security and logistical challenges. These issues are significantly affecting the project’s timely execution, causing numerous delays.
In a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, WB Country Director Najy Benhassine highlighted strict security measures as a major barrier. He also emphasized that the slow approval process is hindering progress. To support the project, over 1,700 security personnel are currently on-site, but their management has led to inefficiencies, including delays in staff movements.
The WB pointed out that travel to the project site depends heavily on helicopters, which frequently face weather-related delays. Following the government’s recent $1 billion financing boost for the project, there is pressure to ensure smooth execution. Problems such as local protests and delays in demolishing houses for resettlement have further complicated progress.
Moreover, the World Bank has requested that the government expedite the demolition of houses already compensated for relocation. This backlog obstructs critical infrastructure development vital for the dam’s completion. Additionally, the WB has set deadlines for various project stages for mid-2025, calling for cooperation between local authorities and security teams to resolve the issues swiftly.