US announces $150 million for Mangla dam expansion
New US Ambassador to Pakistan, Richard G. Olson. – File Photo
ISLAMABAD: The United States on Wednesday announced a grant of 150 million dollars for the expansion of the Mangla Dam power plant, DawnNews reported.
The project is expected to generate 310 megawatts of electricity.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the project at Mangla Power House, US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson said the US would provide 150 million dollars for the expansion of the Mangla power station.
Olson said a meeting of the Energy Working Group would be held in Islamabad in the month of December, adding that, the construction of the Diamir-Bhasha Dam was a priority for the US.
Addressing the ceremony, Chairman Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Syed Raghib Abbas Shah said 400 million dollars would be spent on the expansion of the Mangla power house which would be able to provide additional production for the next 40 years.
“The fourth phase expansion work will begin in March 2012,” Shah said.
Moreover, he said that the feasibility report of five mega projects was in the process of completion.
He also said that in the next five years, 5,000 megawatts electricity would be added to the national grid which would benefit 1 million consumers.
Don’t worry; this money shall, as usually is the case, be used for the personal benefit of our ruling class. There is a difference between receiving money and how it is actually spent. Another cost is the benefit given to the US (remember “no free lunches”) at the expense of the people. Even if this money is used for the purpose mentioned, it is peanuts given the improvement required to our energy infrastructure. There will be no noticeable drop in load-shedding.
How ca nwe look at ourselves in the mirror where on one hand we go around begging for Aid from the US the other we let the US kill our brothers and sisters with drones?
Its NOT aid, I repeat its business. When you will stop delivering for them they will stop your even paid goods and sanctions will soon follow. Remember when US sanctioned Pakistan in 1989 and paid F16s were blocked. Its give & take.
Its not aid, its business. When we will stop delivering they will sanction us. Sanctions even on our paid goods, do you remember embargoed F16s in 1989 when Pakistan paid the parking charges too?
Good job. Keep up the good work…
AHa! Good News!
I reckon; the electricity load-shedding will be eliminated soon! One small suggestion to The Govt: Please acquire the “Wind Power + Solar Power” as well! Thank You!
That’s peanuts money these days for any project.
Refuse to take it then.
what other sources are available with the present regime after looting the exchequers by both hands at all levels though this amount comes to 1.450 Bapproximately which will be swallowed by these white elephants in different ways. Why don’t they move towards Kalabagh Dam at this stage.
Thanks America…
“The fourth phase expansion work will begin in March 2012,” Shah said.
will begin in March 2012 – Really How come this is possible?
Simply, we are beggers!
whole world knows this .. wat’s new?
India is still the biggest donation and aid receiving country, go and find the facts & figures.
India is among biggest donors dnt compare it with receiver pak. India donated 2 billions $ to Afghanistan. and hundreds of millions to Bangladesh. and 10 billions to IMF. India has significant voting power in IMF
build your own economy not tardy fundamenatlist
what are the environmental consequences of this project
There aren’t any adverse environmental impacts as the Project envisages rehabilitation / replacement of existing generating units of Mangla Power Station.
huh…same as for any other dam in US CANADA or china
Actually if you look at the schematics for the design of the diamer Basha Dam, it will have Eminence environmental impacts, in the west we do not use, 3rd world ways to produce energy, because it’s not cost effective and is not as reliable. But none the less it’s a good start, but we should do it with our own money.