The French Ambassador to Pakistan Philippe Thiebaud today visited WAPDA House and attended a briefing about various projects being implemented by WAPDA in water and hydropower sectors. He was also accompanied by the French Development Agency (AFD) Country Director Nicolas Fomage and Project Manager Nauman Bhutta. The French Ambassador said that his country was keen to support Pakistan in projects viz water development, irrigation and electricity generation. He said that the process to provide funds for Munda Dam Project was being speeded up and would be completed as early as possible. AFD is also working in close coordination with the German counterpart for financial assistance to construct Harpo and Basho hydropower projects, he further said. Speaking on the occasion, WAPDA Chairman Shakil Durrani said that WAPDA was indebted to the people and Government of France for their support in providing assistance for water and hydropower projects, vital for socio-economic development of the people of Pakistan. He expressed the hope that France would also extend her cooperation in the future projects as well.
Referring to the Munda Dam multipurpose project in FATA, WAPDA Chairman said that the project, approved by the Planning Commission last week, would help control floods, ensure availability of water for irrigated agriculture and provide 740 MW low cost hydel electricity. Munda Dam, being a multipurpose project, has excellent rate of returns, he added.
Currently, AFD is providing 25 million euros for rehabilitation and upgradation of Jabban hydropower project in Malakand. In addition, AFD has also shown keen interest to provide funds for Munda Dam multipurpose project in Mohmand Agency, and Harpo and Basho hydropower projects in Gilgit Baltistan. It is pertinent to mention that the case for financial assistance to Munda Dam project is being forwarded to AFD Board of Directors for formal approval.
