Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lieutenant General Muzammil Hussain (retd) has said that Mohmand Dam is a project of immense importance in that it will store 1.2 million acre feet (MAF) of water for irrigated agriculture, help mitigate floods in Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera and generate 800 mega watt (MW) of green and clean energy.
He said in view of the Supreme Court's judgment for early commencement of Mohmand Dam, a number of options are being considered to start construction work on the project during fiscal year 2018-19 as WAPDA has already completed feasibility study, detailed engineering designs and tender documents for the purpose.
He further said that the project, scheduled to be completed in five years and eight months after commencement of construction work, will significantly contribute towards development of agriculture, industrial, economic and social sectors in the country.
The Chairman also had a detailed interaction with the local notables at the project site. He thanked the locals for being supportive of the project. He apprised the notables of the land acquisition process and resettlement of the people in the project area.
He said WAPDA will pay appropriate compensation to the locals in lieu of their land and assets and also develop infrastructure, health and education facilities and drinking water schemes in the area by employing various confidence building measures as its corporate social responsibility. He assured them that Mohmand Dam Project will bring a positive change in life of the local population. He also listened to their views relating to land acquisition, resettlement and development scheme in the area.
Later, the WAPDA Chairman also visited Warsak Dam to review progress on the second rehabilitation project of Warsak Hydel Power Station. During the briefing, the Chairman was informed that the second rehabilitation project aims at regaining the lost generation capacity of existing Warsak Hydel Power Station due to aging factor, achieving reliable annual energy generation of 1.14 billion units per annum and increasing useful life of the power house for another 30 to 40 years. The project will be completed in a phased manner in about seven years.