Islamabad: The Central Development Working Party referred the revised Diamer Basha Dam Project, worth Rs 485.006 billion, to ECNEC. This action came after Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal raised concerns over cost escalation and delayed documentation.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired the CDWP meeting on Thursday. During this meeting, the Ministry of Water Resources project was reviewed, according to an official news release.
Iqbal said the revised PC-I for the dam component had not been submitted for six years. There has been a major rise in cost from the originally approved Rs 480 billion in 2018. He said the delay reflected weak project management capacity.
The CDWP allowed revision of the PC-I related to helicopter procurement on security grounds. It also directed authorities to submit the revised PC-I for the dam component without further delay.
Iqbal directed the new chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to manage the project professionally. He also directed them to improve institutional project management capacity.
The forum also referred the revised Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project, valued at Rs 316.411 billion, to the Executive Committee of the National Economic and Development Authority (ECNEC). This was for further consideration.
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During the discussion on Tarbela, Iqbal raised concerns over management, transparency and oversight. He said the project was originally estimated at Rs 82 billion, while spending had already crossed Rs 140 billion.
The minister directed authorities to share the inquiry report with the ministry. He also directed them to place observations on mismanagement, weak due diligence, contractors and consultants before ECNEC through an inquiry committee. This committee is headed by the Member of Infrastructure.
