Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Senator Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting on Thursday to review the implementation status of the Dasu Hydro Power Project. The World Bank Country Director Patchamuthu Illangovan and senior Officials of Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Water & Power, WAPDA and World Bank were also present.

The finance minister highlighted that early implementation of Dasu Hydropower Project Stage-I was a national priority to make affordable power available. He reaffirmed commitment of the present government to resolve implementation issues and move fast to complete the project in time. The country director expressed appreciation towards the government for undertaking this project with strong commitment and assured full support for the financing arrangements of the project.

The Ministry of Water & Power and WAPDA officials told the meeting that as a result of facilitation by the Ministry of Finance, the issue of provincial tax on land acquisition has been resolved. Thus the land acquisition process will now be expedited. On the issue of security, the meeting was informed that the Ministry of Interior had been approached and the issue of deployment of FC in the area would be finalised soon.

The meeting was informed that six contracts have so far been awarded while the bidding process of the seventh contract for main works has been completed. The bids have been opened and are currently under evaluation. The meeting was further updated on the progress of financing arrangement, both domestic and external. The finance minister directed early evaluation of the bids while following due process and ensuring transparency. He directed all stakeholders to ensure expeditious resolution of implementation related issues.

The country director praised the finance minister for his continuous support for resolving operational issues of the Dasu Hydropower Project on a priority basis. He reiterated World Bank’s resolve for early Implementation of Dasu Hydropower Project.