Balakot Hydro-power project will see the start of construction of its dam this December. This is the biggest hydro-power project in KPK which will generate 100 MW of electricity. The project is jointly financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

This information was shared by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Provincial Energy Development Organization (PEDO) Engineer Naeem Khan while speaking on site in Balakot, district Mansehra, Hazara Division, KPK. He was accompanied by the workers of the Chinese construction company Gezhouba and its partner Turkish company Dolsar, according to a press release received by WealthPK.

Other officials at the meeting included Deputy Commissioner Mansehra, Director the project and relevant government officials. It was decided by the officials that the construction work on the dam should be started at the earliest. Moreover, security clearance of the people working at the dam from China and Türkiye will also be completed in time.

CEO Engineer Naeem Khan while speaking at the event said that “it is a flagship project of the current provincial government. It will be completed in the next 7 years with an estimated amount of USD 755 million of which 80% i.e. USD 580 million will be provided jointly by the ADB and AIIB. The remaining amount will be provided by the provincial government from her own coffers.”

After the completion of the project, an annual income of PKR 15 billion will accrue to the provincial government. It will also generate employment for around 1500 people.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk