Concerted Efforts Required To Develop Energy Resources: Wapda Chairman

LAHORE, Nov 4 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 04th Nov, 2016 ) : A delegation of the National Security and War Course of National Defence University (NDU) Islamabad, headed by NDU Chief Instructor Maj Gen Muhammad Naeem Ashraf on Friday visited the Wapda House and attended briefings on water and power sectors.

Addressing the delegation, WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (R) Muzammil Hussain said energy and water were the two cardinal sectors of the national security, therefore, concerted efforts were needed to develop water and energy resources in the country.

He said the Wapda was constructing a number of projects in water and hydropower sectors, including Neelum Jhelum, Tarbela 4th Extension, Golen Gol, Dasu (Stage-I), Kurram Tangi Dam and Nai Gaj Dam etc.

"Three of under construction hydropower projects with cumulative generation capacity of 2485 MW will be completed in 2018," he mentioned. Besides the under construction projects, he said, Bunji Hydropower Project with generation capacity of 7100 MW and Diamer Basha Dam with generation capacity of 4,500 MW and gross water storage capacity of 8.1 MAF were among the projects which were ready for construction.

He said the Diamer Basha Dam was a most essential project for Pakistan, being a multi-purpose project to store water and generate electricity.

"Wapda enjoys a very good credit rating for raising funds for its hydropower projects," he said.

The chairman said apart from its services for water and power sectors, Wapda could take pride for its contribution towards promotion of sports in Pakistan and its patronage of engineering discipline in the country.

WAPDA Advisor (Diamer Basha Dam Project) Dr Izhar-ul-Haq and PEPCO General Manager (Revenue and Commercial Operation) Muhammad Saleem briefed the delegation about water and power sectors, respectively.

In the briefing about the water and hydropower sector, the delegation was briefed about annual water flows and storage capacity, per capita availability of water, impact of climate change on water resources, water management challenges, water conservation and hydropower potential of the country.

In another briefing about the power sector, the delegation was apprised about power sector reforms, electricity crisis and issues relating to power sector. The delegation was also informed of the government's efforts to overcome electricity shortages in the country.

NTDC Managing Director, Permanent Commissioner for Indus Waters Pakistan, Wapda members, Wapda Managing Director (Administration), Wapda Secretary, and other senior officers also attended the briefings.