WAPDA completes tarbela power station rehabilitation

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LAHORE: With financial assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has successfully completed first phase of the rehabilitation of Tarbela Hydel Power Station, restoring 128 megawatt (MW) electricity to the System.

This was stated by WAPDA Chairman Syed Raghib Shah while briefing the US Ambassador Richard Olson during his visit to Tarbela Power Station here on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion WAPDA Chairman said, “We appreciate the support of the United States to the energy sector in Pakistan. Projects like these will help minimise power shortages in the country.”

Dilating upon the two-pronged strategy for optimal utilisation of hydel resource, the Chairman said that WAPDA is not only constructing the new projects but also rehabilitating and up-grading its aging power houses. Besides adding a good quantum of electricity to the system to cater for increasing demand, WAPDA projects will also help provide cheap electricity to the people, he added.

During his visit Ambassador Olson said “The United States understands that Pakistan is facing an energy crisis and we are committed to doing our part. The work completed here at Tarbela contributes enough electricity to supply two million customers, and helps provide relief to those suffering from extensive power shortages“.

To restore electricity generation at Tarbela, the USAID provided $ 16.5 million to WAPDA to repair three power generation units and to train staff to operate the upgraded equipment.

Relieving Pakistan's energy crisis is a top priority for US assistance to Pakistan. In addition to Tarbela, the United States is also funding other high impact projects in hydropower sector, such as rehabilitation of the Mangla Power Station.

The US Government is also co-financing the completion of Gomal Zam and Satpara dams which will add another 35 MW electricity and irrigate more than 200,000 acres of land.

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