ISLAMABAD, Nov 28:  American Ambassador Richard Olsen on Wednesday pledged US would provide $150 million for replacement of worn turbines of Mangla dam.

While visiting Mangla Dam he said new, custom-built turbines would increase its total power generation output from 1000MW to 1210MW.

The ambassador said the upgraded turbines would allow the power plant to operate efficiently for another 40 years.He said the US helped build Mangla Dam and now after 50 years the United States was repairing the dam to make sure it continued to produce the energy the country needed.

Ambassador Olson said: “Our commitment to help repair Mangla Dam today builds upon efforts began in the 1960s.  The United States was then, as it is now, committed to working with the government of Pakistan on large-scale energy projects that help the people of Pakistan live secure and prosperous lives.”

This project to upgrade the Mangla Dam power station is just one element of a comprehensive US energy assistance programme in Pakistan, which includes renovating the power plant at the Tarbela Dam, upgrading the Guddu, Jamshoro, and Muzafaragarh power plants, and completing the construction of the new Satpara and Gomal Zam dams.

The United States is also providing support and expertise to the Ministry of Water and Power and nine power distribution companies to reduce energy transmission losses, increase revenues, and improve the overall management of the energy system to bring long-term sustainability to Pakistans energy sector. — Our Reporter