KARACHI - The US Congress has released $280 million in new aid to support Pakistan’s energy sector, a statement issued by the US embassy said on Friday. The funds, it said, would support improvements to Mangla Dam and infrastructure support and due diligence work on the Kurram Tangi Dam project. This is the latest example of the United States’ long-term and enduring support for Pakistan’s energy sector and for the people of Pakistan.
“Relieving Pakistan’s energy crisis is a top priority for our civilian assistance program. The US approach consists of high-impact projects aimed at increasing Pakistan’s energy resources and helping power sector institutions more effectively meet the country’s energy needs,” the statement said.
The US funds large-scale infrastructure efforts that, by 2013, are expected to add 900MW to the national power grid, enough energy to power two million households and businesses. “Our institutional support ranges from improving the governance of the power sector to strengthening the performance of Pakistan’s power distribution companies. We are helping develop new policies to rationalize pricing, reduce subsidies, increase revenues, and improve the distribution of energy resources. We also work with private sector entities and civil society organizations to enhance their role in decision-making and advocacy,” it said. Ongoing projects supported by the US: The Gomal Zam Dam, which will generate 17.4MW of hydroelectric power – enough to supply electricity to 30,000 households – and irrigate almost 200,000 acres of land worked by 30,000 farmers.
The Satpara Dam, which will provide 17.7MW of power to the local grid – enough to supply electricity to 30,000 households – and mitigate flooding, provide water for irrigation and serve as a significant source of drinking water. The Muzzafargarh Power Station, which will increase the generation capacity of the power station by 475MW, enough power to supply electricity to about 680,000 households. The Jamshoro Power Station project, which will enable the station to restore at least 150MW of power generation capacity, enough power to supply electricity to about 215,000 households. The Tarbela Dam modernization project, which will add 128MW in power generation capacity.