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World Bank Reviews Tarbela Dam Expansion, Pledges $390M for Fifth Phase
A World Bank delegation visits Tarbela Dam, reviewing the fourth and fifth expansion projects. With $390 million for the fifth expansion, the partnership strengthens Pakistan's power generation.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-18
World Bank Reviews Tarbela Dam Expansion, Pledges $390M for Fifth Phase

A delegation of World Bank Executive Directors recently visited Tarbela Dam to review the progress of its fourth and fifth expansion projects. The delegation was accompanied by the Chairman of WAPDA, Lt. Gen. (retd) Sajjad Ghani, who provided insights into the development and benefits of the dam.

World Bank’s Continued Support for Hydropower Development

The World Bank has been a key partner in the development of Pakistan’s hydropower sector, with its support playing a pivotal role in the successful completion of the Tarbela Hydel Power Station and its fourth expansion project. According to a statement by the World Bank, the organization has announced a further investment of $390 million for the fifth expansion project, which is expected to significantly enhance the country's energy capacity.

Chairman WAPDA, Lt. Gen. (retd) Sajjad Ghani, expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership with the World Bank, which spans over six decades. He highlighted that the Tarbela Dam has been instrumental in providing water for agriculture and power generation. Since its completion, the dam has supplied 411 million acre-feet of water for irrigation and generated 597.31 billion units of affordable electricity for the national grid.

Economic Benefits of Tarbela Dam

The economic benefits of Tarbela Dam have been substantial, with its contributions valued at approximately 411 billion US dollars to the national economy. The completion of the Tarbela Fifth Expansion Project, along with the upcoming Dasu Hydropower Project, is set to further bolster Pakistan's energy capacity, with both projects expected to begin power generation by 2026.

World Bank’s Ongoing Commitment

The World Bank delegation praised WAPDA’s role in the development of hydropower projects, including the Tarbela Dam, recognizing its significant contributions to Pakistan’s energy infrastructure. The World Bank reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting WAPDA in the development of future hydropower initiatives, underscoring the importance of sustainable energy development for Pakistan’s growth.

Looking to the Future

With the continued expansion of Tarbela Dam and the commencement of new projects like Dasu, Pakistan’s energy sector is poised for substantial growth. The World Bank’s investment will ensure the completion of the fifth expansion project, which will play a crucial role in meeting the country’s growing energy demands.
Tagged:

WAPDA

WorldBank

TarbelaDam

PakistanEnergy

Hydropower
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