ISLAMABAD, Sept 9: Wapda has signed a Rs26.05 billion contract with Chinese firm Sinohydro for executing civil works for the 1,410MW Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project.

Chief Engineer Mohammad Yousaf Khattak, who is also the project director, and Duan Jianxia signed the agreement on behalf of Wapda and M/s Sinohydro at a ceremony here on Monday.

The World Bank has agreed to provide $840 million for the project.

The project will increase the generation capacity of Tarbela Hydel Power Station to 4,888MW after installation of three units of 1,410MW on Tunnel No 4.

Annual benefits of the project have been estimated at about Rs30.7bn.

The project will pay back the cost spent on its completion in three years.—APP