All arrangements have been finalised for groundbreaking of the multi-billion dollar Diamer-Bhasha dam next week. Official sources in Ministry of Water and Power told APP that the project was of a great national importance and would be completed within the stipulated period of eight years at an estimated cost of $11 billion and would generated 4,500 MW cheap hydel electricity.
"The current estimated cost of the project is US $11 billion, which is larger than any project constructed in Pakistan," they informed. They said the project was being carried out in complete support of provinces and all political parties. Diamer-Basha Dam will store 8.1 million acre feet (MAF) of water and generate 4,500 megawatt (MW) of low-cost electricity. The project, in addition to providing water for agriculture, would contribute 18 billion units of electricity per annum to the national grid.