LAHORE: In a significant development for implementation of Dasu Hydropower Project, as many as 10 known firms and joint ventures have submitted their proposals for construction of the main dam.

According to a Wapda press release, eight of them have also submitted proposals for construction of underground power complex of the project. Importantly, some of the firms and joint ventures have indicated financial arrangement for construction of the main dam and the power complex.

“This excellent response shown by the project implementation giants is a result of the hectic efforts made by Wapda high-ups during the last one year to woo construction firms and the investors for the project. This response also reflects the confidence they have reposed in Wapda and the hydropower sector of Pakistan.”

The firms and joint ventures which have submitted their proposals are internationally recognised for construction of mega hydropower projects. Four of the firms belong to Turkey, one to Italy, three to China, one to Korea and one to Vietnam.

Evaluation of the proposals has started. On completion of the process, the bid documents will be issued to the pre-qualified firms and joint ventures.

A novel mechanism for project implementation has been adopted for construction of Dasu Hydropower Project. The success of this implementation mechanism will also open new avenues for the future mega water and hydropower projects in Pakistan such as Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Bunji, Pattan and Thahkot hydropower projects.

The 4320-MW Dasu Hydropower Project is a run-of-the-river project being constructed on the river Indus near Dasu Town in Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project is being implemented in two stages. The World Bank is financing Stage-I of the project with an IDA Credit of $588.4 million and an IDA PCG of $460 million. Upon completion, the first stage will contribute more than 12 billion units of cheap, affordable and environment-friendly electricity to the national grid.

The project will not only add a sizable quantum of low-cost electricity to the national grid but also provide relief to the consumers by reducing power tariff. To cap it all, it will usher in a new era of socioeconomic development in the far-flung areas of KPK.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2015

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