Wapda implementing Warsak rehab plan

The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Zafar Mahmood visited Warsak Dam and Hydel Power Station located in Khyber and Mohmand agencies of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on Friday. He reviewed the matters relating to rehabilitation of Warsak Hydel Power Station. Member Power Badr-ul-Munir Murtiza was also present on the occasion.
The WAPDA is executing Second Rehabilitation Project of Warsak Hydel Power Station to regain its generation capacity, which has decreased to 193 MW from 243 MW due to aging factor of the electro-mechanical equipment. The rehabilitation works are planned to be carried out with an approved PC-I cost of Rs 22.25 billion with the objective to overcome the aging problems, regain the capacity loss of 50 MW with reliable annual energy generation of 1.14 billion units, upgrade and modernize the old system and achieve another life cycle of 30 to 40 years. German financial institution KfW and French Development Agency (AFD) are providing loan to the tune of 40 million Euros each, while European Investment Bank (EIB) is giving 50 million Euros for Second Rehabilitation Project of Warsak Hydel Power Station. Hiring of consultants for engineering support and construction supervisions is in progress.
During his visit, the Chairman was briefed by the project authorities about the progress achieved so far on the project. The Chairman said the WAPDA has been vigorously implementing a least-cost energy generation plan on the direction of the federal government to add low-priced hydel electricity to the system to overcome electricity shortages in the country. This plan aims at optimal utilization of the indigenous hydropower resources. In addition to constructing new projects, WAPDA has also been rehabilitating and up-grading its aging hydel power stations, including the Warsak, under the plan. He said Warsak is the first ever main hydropower project executed in Pakistan after independence. The project was financed by the Canadian Government under Colombo plan.