LAHORE - In the wake of 10-day detailed visit to the strategically important 969MW Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHP), international panel of experts (PoE) of the project comprising world known professionals Dr Martin Wieland and Dr Johann Golser had a meeting with WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (retired) Muzammil Hussain and the project management to share their observations, findings and recommendations.

The PoE appreciated the progress achieved at all sites of the project and advised to maintain the pace of work. They expressed satisfaction that almost all their recommendations, which they had made during their last visit in April-2016, have been incorporated in the project design and execution works. The PoE appreciated the quality of all concrete works which have been completed on the project so far. Besides, they also lauded the efforts which have been made for resolving the issue of the aggregate supply at diversion dam site.

The PoE commended the quality and progress of steel lining works being carried out under the Jhelum River crossing. Despite being a difficult work, the progress achieved by now is very good and ahead of its schedule. The PoE made certain recommendations for the additional resources which should be provided by the contractor at all the sites for maintaining the pace of work. The PoE also advised the different monitoring techniques to be undertaken by the project consultants for the concrete lining and other works.

NDU DELEGATION VISITS

WAPDA HOUSE

Meanwhile, a delegation of National Security and War Course of National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad yesterday visited WAPDA House. The delegation headed by Brigadier Hammad Qadir, attended briefings on the water and power sectors of the country. WAPDA Member (Power) Badrul Munir Murtiza and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

WAPDA Adviser (Diamer Basha Dam Project) Dr Izharul Haq and PEPCO General Manager (Revenue and Commercial Operation) Muhammad Saleem briefed the delegation about water and power sectors respectively. The delegation was apprised that WAPDA is committed for optimum development of water and hydropower resources in the country. At present, WAPDA is constructing six hydropower projects with cumulative generation capacity of 4792 megawatt. These projects include 969 MW Neelum Jhelum, 1410 MW Tarbela 4th Extension, 106 MW Golen Gol, 128 MW Keyal Khwar, 2160 MW Dasu (Stage-I) and 18.9 MW Kurram Tangi Dam Project (Stage-I). Out of them, three projects of 2485 MW are scheduled to be completed by the year 2018.

The delegation was also informed of water sector projects which are under construction including Kachhi Canal (Phase-I), Nai Gaj Dam, Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD)-I and III, and lining of Muzaffargarh and Taunsa Panjnad Link Canals. The delegation was told that seven other projects in water and hydropower sectors are ready for construction. These projects include Diamer Basha Dam, Bunji Hydropower Project, and Mohmand Dam etc.

The delegation was also briefed about annual water flows and storage capacity, per capita availability of water, impact of climate change on water resources, water management challenges, water conservation and hydropower potential of the country.