Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) chairman Muzammil Hussain on Wednesday said all basic preparations have been finalised to launch the construction work on Mohmand Dam within the next two weeks.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the WAPDA chairman said, “The project has been awarded to the joint venture comprising China Gezhouba, Descon and Voith Hydro after clearing all formalities.”
“China Gezhouba has 70 percent share in the project while Descon and Voith Hydro have 30 percent share combined,” he added.
Hussain added, “All legal, financial and technical impediments in the way of construction of the dam have been addressed. The government has expressed the resolve to provide all necessary resources for completion of this important project keeping in view the growing water scarcity and to ensure food security in the country.”
The WAPDA chairman said this project will be completed in five years. “It will provide jobs to 6,000 locals including 358 engineers.”
“Mohmand Dam will help deal with the issue of floods in Charsada and Mardan districts,” he added.
Responding to a question, Hussain said it is the first project of its kind in which the tribal people have provided their land for national interest. He also acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by the tribal people living in surrounding areas of the Mohmand Dam project for the peace and security of the country.
The WAPDA chairman further said his organisation is committed to regaining its past glory by executing projects such as Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams to address the water shortage.
“WAPDA completed four important projects last year, including Neelum-Jehlum hydro power, Tarbela-IV Extension, Golen Gol hydro power and Katchi Kanal projects. All the four units of Neelum-Jehlum Hydro Power Project are operational now, supplying cheaper Hydro electricity to the national grid,” he upheld.
