ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar reviewed on Monday the progress work of Neelum Jehlum hydropower project and directed the team involved in the completion of the project to work in close coordination.
A meeting was held in this regard here which was chaired by Ishaq Dar.
Chairman WAPDA Zafar Mehmood gave a presentation in detail on the Neelum Jehlum Hydropower Project and the progress made on the project so far.
The Finance Minister said on the occasion that completion of the valuable Hydropower projects are the first priority of the Government as they are vital for the development of the country.
The cost of the Neelum Jehlum Hydro power project has increased due to delays in the execution of the project because of the changes in the original design after 2005 earthquake and the resultant escalation in the scope of work but it is our firm commitment that now the project will be taken up on priority basis and all international donors and lenders will be re-engaged in the process of expediting the release of funds for this project and for achieving this objective we will try to satisfy them on all their concerns.
General(R) Mohammad Zubair, the head of the technical team on the Neelum Jehlum Hydro project said that according to the most recent report from his team the progress of work has reached 72% in the tenure of the present government and it will be completed with utmost efficiency.
Chairman WAPDA said that 70% of the issues of the project have been resolved so far and it is making speedy progress as compared to the past.
The Minister also directed the participants of the meeting to form a team to re-engage Islamic Development Bank and Exim Bank China for the speeding up the funding for the project.
Khawaja M. Asif the Federal Minister for W&P said that we will also consider making of a supervisory committee to ensure the efficient execution of the project.
