LAHORE: Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) chairman Raghib Shah has said the contract for civil works of 1,410mega watt (MW)- Tarbela 4th Extension project is likely to be awarded in March 2013 as pre-qualification process of the construction firms is almost complete.
During his maiden visit to the project as a chairman, Shah said gigantic Tarbela Dam had been instrumental in economic development and social uplift of the country since its completion in mid 1970s, says a media release issued here Friday.
Benefits of the project will significantly increase as electricity generation capacity of Tarbela Hydel Power Station will rise to 4,888 MW from the existing 3,478 MW with implementation of its 4th extension, for which World Bank providing US$840 million.
Dilating upon the pace of work, the chairman said pre-qualification process of the firms for electro-mechanical works of the project would also be completed in the shortest possible time.
He expressed satisfaction over the phenomenal response of the reputed firms from all over the world for Tarbela 4th Extension Project.
This overwhelming response reflects their confidence in Wapda and government of the Pakistan for water and hydropower projects, he added.
The Tarbela 4th Extension Project is a part of the least-cost power generation strategy of Wapda, aimed at adding a sizeable quantum of electricity to the national grid, to mitigate power shortages and improving the ratio of low-priced hydel electricity in the overall system, for stabilising the power tariff.
On completion, Tarbela 4th Extension Project will provide about 3.84 billion units of electricity to the national grid every year.
Annual benefits of the project have been estimated at more than Rs. 30 billion. The project will pay back its cost in a short span of just three years.
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