The World Bank (WB) has expressed its concern over slow progress in small metering project, hiring of International Procurement Advisor (IPA) and rehabilitation of power sector's transmission system. This is the crux of the meeting between Rachid Benmessaoud, Country Director World Bank in Pakistan, who along with four member delegation called on the Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar here on Friday.
World Bank is extending financing for a number of projects in the power sector, but disbursements are slow and both the government and WB are blaming each other for the delay. Benmessaoud said that the WB was already providing financial assistance for Electricity Distribution and Transmission Improvement Project (EDTIP) which was likely to be completed within the prescribed time frame.
This will improve the transmission and distribution network in the country by replacing the existing infrastructure, allocated funds of $15.6 million for technical assistance of institutional strengthening and capacity building of power distribution companies.
A pilot project for installation of advance metering infrastructure (smart meters) is also being funded by WB. Benmessaoud said that Tarbela extension IV project had also been signed with Wapda which would generate additional 1300 MW and will be completed within three years. The Bank also fully supports the power sector reforms, he added. He assured that the bank will take up more hydel and wind power projects for assistance to resolve the energy crisis.
Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar offered various mega projects for assistance and said that the WB support was very important for the power sector. He said that government was taking all possible measures to resolve the energy crisis. Recoveries are being improved, there is zero tolerance policy for defaulters, rehabilitation of Gencos is ongoing, upfront tariff for wind power is in effect, power sector reforms are underway and operation and maintenance of Gencos through private sector is ongoing. He said that more than 2000 MW has been added to the national grid. Work on various hydro and water sector projects has started, he observed. The Minister asked Pepco to immediately complete the procedure for hiring of IPA and smart metering project so that disbursement should start at the earliest.
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