China to start hydropower project soon in Pakistan
By Shiraz Afzal - Pakistan Times Staff Correspondent

BEIJING (China): China would start construction of 96mw Jinnah hydropower project in Pakistan within the next few weeks, said Vice President of Dongfang Electric Corporation (DEC).

The project worth $128m would be another milestone in exemplary relations between the two countries, said Pan Jishen with a hope that the project would be completed within a period of four years.

The DEC’s total investment in Pakistan has reached around $1.9b in altogether about 14 projects.

Pan Jishen said: “We consider Pakistan as our most close and sincere friend and wish to continue their active participation in its socio-economic development.”

Project in NWFP

He said his company had also agreed to undertake the civil work at Keyal Khwar Hydropower Project in NWFP that is to cost $36m.

From the Chinese side, the Jinnah hydropower project’s implementation comprises of designing execution and completion of civil, electrical and mechanical works including remedial works to rectify any defect developed during the process.

Under the contract signed between WAPDA and DEC, the Chinese side would arrange 85 per cent of the contract price under supplier’s credit and rest of the 15 per cent would be arranged by WAPDA as advance payment.

The project will be constructed on the right side of the existing Jinnah Barrage on the river Indus, five kilometers downstream of Kalabagh in Mianwali district. The low head hydropower project will utilise a gross head of 4.88 meters to move 8 power units and generate 96 megawatt.

Cost of electricity produced by this project is estimated at 3.30 cents per unit. As per contract, its construction should be completed in 48 months from the date of commencement of work at site.

The DEC is already making heavy investment in modernisation of Pakistan Railways, by providing locomotives and fright wagons. Some other important projects in which it has been making heavy investment include Guddu Thermal Power station and Ghazi Brotha Dam. Pan Jishen said Pakistan was their major centre for economic collaboration.

Terming Pakistan as his second home, he said he had visited the country almost 52 times to ensure smooth working of their mutually beneficial cooperative partnership.●