Diamer-Basha dam project contracts awarded for dam construction.

MIRPUR (AJK) -- In the wake of a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan couple of days ago about water security and construction of mega dams including Diamer Basha Dam Project, all efforts are underway by the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to ensure timely mobilization of the contractor and effective follow up on Diamer Basha Dam Project, it was officially said.

For the purpose, an agreement worth Rs. 442 Billion with a Joint Venture namely Power China-FWO was signed today for construction of diversion system, main dam, access bridge and 21 MW-Tangir Hydropower Project, WAPDA said in a news release issued here on Wednesday.

Diamer Basha Dam Chief Executive Officer Amir Bashir Chaudhry and authorized representativeYang Jiandu, signed the agreement on behalf of WAPDA and the Joint Venture respectively. Water Resources Federal Minister Muhammad Faisal Vawda, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, Water Resources Federal Secretary Muhammad Ashraf, WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (Retd), Pakistan Army Engineer-in-Chief Lt Gen Moazzam Ejaz and FWO DG Maj Gen Kamal Azfar were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, Water Resources Federal Minister Muhammad Faisal Vawda congratulated WAPDA and Power China-FWO Joint Venture, saying that today's event is a good omen for construction of much-needed dams in Pakistan. He said that construction of Diamer Basha Dam will commence in a few weeks. He said that Diamer Basha Dam is a phenomenal project to ensure water, food and energy security in Pakistan. Dilating upon the developments of water sector by the incumbent Federal Government, the Minister said that after Mohmand Dam, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in May last year, Diamer Basha is the second mega multi-purpose dam that is to be started in a span of just one year which is unprecedented in Pakistan's history.

Speaking on the occasion, WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (Retd) said that Diamer Basha Dam will go a long way for economic development and social uplift of the country. He reiterated that WAPDA is committed to completing this...