ISLAMABAD - World Bank (WB) has assured to consider financial assistance for more mega hydro electric and wind power projects in Pakistan and to continue its assistance for ongoing water and power sector projects. 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 today, said that the WB is already providing financial assistance for electricity distribution and transmission improvement project (EDTIP) which is 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. He said that Terbela extension IV project has also signed with Wapda which will generate additional 1300 MW and would complete 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. The Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar offered various mega projects for assistance and said that the WB support is very important for the power sector. He said that government is taking all possible measures to resolve the energy crisis. Recoveries are being improved, zero tolerance policy for defaulters, rehabilitation of Gencos, upfront tariff for wind power, power sector reforms are underway and operation and maintenance of Gencos through private sector. He said that more than 2000 MW has been added in the national grid. Work on various hydro and water sector projects have started, he observed. The Minister asked the Pepco to immediately complete the procedure for hiring of international procurement adviser and smart metering project so that the disbursement should be started at the earliest.