LAHORE, April 27: A seven-member delegation of Turkish companies, headed by ENKA Chairman Sinan Tara, visited Wapda House and held a meeting with Water and Power Development Authority chairman and members to discuss matters related to mutual cooperation. Speaking on the occasion, Wapda Chairman Shakil Durrani said excellent opportunities were available in Pakistan for foreign investment and construction companies in both water and power sector projects.

Referring to the increasing demand of water and electricity, he said Wapda was focused on the optimal utilisation of water and hydropower resources so as to cope with the situation.

In addition to ready-for-construction Diamer Basha dam, a multi-purpose project with a water storage capacity of 8.1 million acre feet (MAF) and power generation capacity of 4,500 megawatt (MW), Wapda had also planned to undertake a number of mega projects with a cumulative generation capacity of more than 20,000 MW during the next four to five years, he said.

Mr Durrani said Spat Gah and Lower Palas Valley hydropower projects had been proposed to be implemented under public-private partnership modality. He also apprised the delegation of salient features of various small and medium-size projects in general and Hingol Dam in particular.

He said Wapda was looking forward to the association of Turkish companies on its projects through international competitive bidding. Construction of mega canals and removal of silt from water reservoirs could also be the areas of mutual cooperation, he added.

Giving a run-down of the upcoming projects, Wapda Member (Water) briefed the delegation about Tarbela 4th Extension and Keyal Khwar Hydropower Project.

Addressing the meeting, ENKA chairman Sinan Tara said the Turkish companies were keen to work on Wapda projects as a part of their long-term planning pertaining to mutual cooperation. Dilating upon the profile, he said ENKA was the largest construction and investment company in Turkey with 54-year experience to its credit in construction, power generation, water works and other allied areas across the continents including North Africa, Russia and the Central Asian states.Later, Wapda officials apprised in detail the delegation of its vision, performance over the last 53 years, under-construction schemes and future projects. The delegation was also briefed about Wapda Foundation and establishment of Wapda Engineering University.

Wapda Member (Water) Syed Raghib Abbas Shah, Wapda Secretary Muhammad Imtiaz Tajwar and other Wapda officers concerned also attended the meeting.