LAHORE: Delays in completion of dams and power projects is not only raising the overall cost of the projects but also failing the power sector to meet the rising demands.

According to data available with Business Recorder, Gomal Zam Dam with an installed capacity of 17.4 megawatts and planned start date of July 2002 was due to be commissioned in September 2006. However, it was actually commissioned in June 2014, registering a delay of seven years. The Satpara Dam with an installed capacity of 17.3 megawatts and planned start date of April 2003 was due to be commissioned in December 2006. However, it was actually commissioned in June 2012, after a delay of 5.5 years.

Allai Khwar Dam was commissioned in March 2013 whereas it was due to be commissioned in June 2007. The Duber Khwar Dam was commissioned in December 2013 instead of October 2008 and the Khan Khwar Dam in March 2012 instead of October 2007.

In addition, the Mangla Dam with an installed capacity of 310 megawatts was due to be commissioned in December 2009. However, it was actually commissioned in October 2011, registering a delay of 1.8 years. Neelum Jhelum with an installed capacity of 969 megawatts was due to be commissioned in 2008, but it was actually commissioned in March 2018, registering a delay of 10 years.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020