The United States recognises that construction of Diamer Basha Dam would help Pakistan meet its exponentially growing energy and development needs and Washington is considering Islamabad's request on support for the mega project, the State Department said Thursday.
The State Department said as part of a broader signature energy programme announced in 2009, the United States has provided support to complete the final phases of two hydroelectric dams in Pakistan: the Satpara Dam in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Gomal Zam Dam in South Waziristan. "We are considering doing more in the sector." Pakistan, the office of spokesperson said, has requested the international community's support for development of the Diamer Basha Dam project.
"We recognise that such a hydroelectric project would help meet many of Pakistan's long-term energy and water needs, as well as advance social and economic development," the spokesperson said in response to question taken at the daily briefing. "We are considering how we can best support Pakistan's request, as are other bilateral donors and multilateral financial institutions. No final decisions have been made," the spokesperson added.
Washington continues to work with the Government of Pakistan to determine how best to use US civilian assistance, the spokesperson said. "The United States has long supported development projects that enhance the daily lives of people throughout the region. In doing so, we always take into account a project's potential regional impact," the spokesperson said in response to the question that sought Washington's position on any impact the project may have vis-a-vis India. As per reports, Diamer-Bhasha Dam is a roller compacted concrete (RCC) dam being built on the River Indus in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. On completion, Diamer-Bhasha Dam would be the highest RCC dam in the world.