SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: The 17.4 MW Gomal Zam Dam is likely to be completed before the winter season sets in, which will provide electricity to around 25,000 households.

A delegation of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officials alongwith Wapda Chairman Shakil Durrani, which visited the Gomal Zam Dam, was informed that 90 per cent work on the project has been completed.

The USAID is co-funding construction of the dam. The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has already completed more than 90 per cent of the dam and hydropower components, as well as nearly half of the transmission lines for the project.

The reservoir has already started filling with water, and by mid-May, testing and commissioning of the first powerhouse unit will begin. The entire project is expected to be finished by this coming winter.

“This project will increase the supply of electricity to thousands of consumers and enterprises in the country,” USAID Mission Director Andrew Sisson said.

“The dam will also help protect downstream villages and towns from floods, and provide irrigation water to farmers.”

As part of the US government's long-term commitment to improve energy supply in the country, USAID is supporting the completion of several high-impact energy sector projects in Pakistan.

Apart from Gomal Zam Dam, USAID is helping construct Satpara Dam, modernise three generators in Tarbela Dam, and upgrade the thermal plants at Jamshoro, Guddu, and Muzaffargarh.

USAID is also partnering with the Government of Pakistan to reduce inefficiencies in the use of electricity and reform the sector so that it can grow with the economy and pay for regular maintenance. The project would enhance economic growth, fuel job creation, and improve the lives of Pakistani citizens.