Chairman of Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), Shakil Durrani, visited Mangla Power House to look into the rehabilitation works at Unit No 5. He was accompanied by General Manager Mangla Dam Raising Project, Chief Engineer Mangla Dam Organisation, Resident Engineer and other officers concerned.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that Wapda is implementing a two-pronged strategy for optimum utilisation of the indigenous hydro-power resources to cope with growing demand of electricity in the country. On the one hand, Wapda is constructing a number of new hydro-power projects on priority; while on the other hand, it is also engaged in executing rehabilitation and up-gradation of its aged hydro-power stations. This strategy will help improve the ratio of low-cost hydro power in the National Grid so as to stabilise the power tariff, he added.
During the visit, the Chairman was explained the rehabilitation works being carried out by the Wapda officials at Unit No 5. He directed the officers concerned to closely monitor performance of the Unit. He further said that the USAID has shown interest to provide financial assistance for up-gradation of Mangla Power House.
It is pertinent to mention that WAPDA had already awarded contract to carry out feasibility study for up-gradation of 1000-MW Mangla Power House. Based on the preliminary studies, the generation capacity of the power house is likely to increase by about 200 MW.