PESHAWAR: Asian Development Bank (ADB) would assist Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in developing 1,000 mini-micro hydropower stations in backward areas.
This was revealed during 12th Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation (PEDO) board of directors’ meeting held under the chairmanship of ex-chairman Wapda and PEDO board Chairman Shakeel Durrani.
PEDO CEO Akbar Ayub briefed the board about pace of work in the ongoing hydropower projects in province. The meeting was told that three hydropower projects of 56MW will be completed this year in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while work on five other projects of 214MW is in progress.
It was decided in the meeting that Munda Dam and other projects have proposed to induct in upcoming China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) mega project.
Akbar Ayub explained that five under construction projects include Karora, Jabori, Koto, Matiltan and Lawi HPPs, which would produce 214MW. He further said that the present provincial government has started works on 356 mini-micro hydropower stations wherein people are deprived of electricity.
He added that the number of these hydropower stations to be increased to 1000 with the financial support of ADB. In addition to this, six hydropower projects have already been advertised in the press for implementation through private sector.
During the meeting, the board discussed the steps to be taken for the welfare of PEDO’s employees in new setup of the organisation. PEDO’s board member expressed satisfaction over the pace of work on the ongoing projects.
The meeting was also attended by Energy and Power Secretary Naeem Khan, Additional Home Secretary Shahidullah, Additional Secretary Finance, Senator Nauman Wazir, Engr Sardar Tariq, Younas Marwat, Ghulam Sawar Mohmand, Shahid Sattar and PEDO Chief Executive Officer Akbar Ayub Khan.
