ISLAMABAD – The first unit of Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project with a power generation capacity of 969 Mega-Watts would start operation in February, next year.
The progress regarding the long-overdue project was revealed by Chairman WAPDA, Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (Retd) who briefed prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi about the ongoing energy projects in the country.
Regarding 1,410 MW Tarbela IV Extension, the chairman informed that its first unit would be ready for power generation by February 2018, second by April 2018 and the third by May 2018.
The meeting was informed that among the ongoing projects, work on Kachhi Canal having a capacity of irrigating 72,000 acres of land in Dera Bugti has been completed and it would be inaugurated very soon.
Expressing satisfaction over the pace of the project, the premier maintained that the entire demography of Dera Bugti and other areas of Balochistan would benefit from this canal.
On the occasion, premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the present government initiated several mega water projects.
He directed the Ministry of Water Resources to focus on all the ongoing development projects and ensure their timely completion.
‘We must make Ministry of Water Resources productive and renew our efforts in this regard’ he said.
The attendees were also briefed about work on Dasu Hydropower Project and Diamer Bhasha Dam Project.
Prime Minister directed to control the cost escalation in these projects without compromising the quality of work.
