ISLAMABAD: The United States will provide $66 million to Pakistan to help complete Gomal Zam and Satpara dam projects, according to two agreements signed by Acting US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Frank Ruggiero and Pakistani officials here on Friday.
USAID Mission Director Andrew Sission, Wapda chairman Shakil Durrani, and Secretary Water and Power Ministry Javed Iqbal represented their countries on the occasion.
Mr Ruggiero said that the two dams – which envisage supply of 35 megawatts of electricity to nearly 55,000 households in South Waziristan and Skardu – were examples of the Obama administration’s commitment to help Pakistan meet its energy needs.
“Last year’s devastating floods demonstrated the need for flood control infrastructure,” he said. “These two multipurpose dams will control flood waters, provide electricity and store water for irrigation and household use for downstream villages.”
The envoy said the United States was providing $40 million to help complete the Gomal Zam dam in South Waziristan. The project will generate and provide 17.4 megawatts of electricity to 25,000 households and mitigate an estimated $2.6 million of potential flood damage annually. The Gomal Zam dam will have the capacity to store enough water to irrigate 191,000 acres of farmland.
He said the US was providing $26 million to complete the Satpara dam project, located at Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The dam will provide 17.7 megawatts of electricity to nearly 30,000 households and help reduce load-shedding in the area. The dam water will irrigate over 15,000 acres of land. It will also provide 3.1 million gallons per day of potable water.
Mr Ruggiero said the US was committed to a long-term partnership with Pakistan and would continue to support the projects designed to benefit people and bring economic development to the country.
Mr Iqbal expressed the hope that with the US help Pakistan would be able to overcome its energy crisis.—APP
