The federal government has provided Rs 3.9 billion to Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities to acquire land for construction of country's most vital project- Diamer Basha dam. The process of acquisition of land is continuing and after its completion, work would start which is expected most probably by end of this year.
A senior official on Friday said land for construction of Wapda project offices has already been taken over and for the purpose 13 local construction contracts were awarded.
Talking to APP, the official said Diamer Basha Dam project is the largest development project in the history of the country, which will leave positive impact on the national economy. About the benefits of the project, he said the water storage will be 8.1 MAF and estimated annual benefits would be Rs 50.8 billion.
He said electricity generation capacity of the project will be 4500 MW while annual estimated energy contribution will be 19 billion units with benefits annual advantage of Rs 106.6 billion. He said after construction of Diamer Basha dam, the life of Tarbela Dam will be enhanced by 35 years and cost of project will be recovered in 8 years.
To a question, he said the dam would not only help mitigate chances of flood, but also ensure employment opportunities for around 15,000 persons during construction phase. The official said the construction of Kurram Tangi Dam and Munda Dam will also be started during 2011.