Diamer Basha dam to change destiny of Pakistan: Vawda.

ISLAMABAD -- Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda on Wednesday while congratulating the nation said under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government has started much awaited mega project, Diamer Basha dam which would change destiny of Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference along with Chairman Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Lt Gen (R) Muzammil Hussain, China Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing, the minister said funding has already been arranged for this mega project. The government would provide only 30 per cent funding while remaining would be arranged by the WAPDA.

He said earlier such mega projects were in files only but the incumbent government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister, Imran Khan has practically launched all strategically important projects.

He thanked Chinese government, Supreme Court Implementation Bench, armed forces, Chairman WAPDA and entire team of Water Resources Ministry for extending their support to launch mega projects after decades.

The minister said last year Mohmand dam project was started after 54 years. Currently, feasibility study of Sindh Barrage was being carried out and after Diamer Basha dam, work on Sindh Barrage project would also be started, he added.

Faisal said as the people were in depression due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), the project would help generate 16000-17,000 new jobs. WAPDA would spend Rs 78 billion on the uplifting of the area, he added.

Briefing the media person, the Chairman WAPDA said for the first time, work on two mega projects including Mohmand and Diamer Basha dams has commenced in short span of one year. The Mohmand dam project would be completed by December 2024 while Diamer Basha would be commissioned in 2028, he said.

The Chairman said currently, only 13 Million Acre Feet (MAF) water was being stored while 100 per cent increase would be made in storage capacity by 2030 through building Mohmand, Diamer Basha, Kurram Tangi, Sindh Barrage, Chiniot, Naulong, Murunj and Hingol etc. projects.

Similarly, he said, existing hydel generation share would be enhanced from 9,406 MW to 14,000 MW by 2025 and 30,000 MW by 2030.

Muzammil Hussain said Diamer Basha project was struck for the last 15 years due to resettlement issues. However, owing to efforts of the government, the resettlement issues have been resolved, he added.

He said the government has limited resources and could not provide Rs 1400 billion to fund this mega project. It was decided...