Neelum project: Jatoi asks NESPAK to submit report

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The National Engineering Services of Pakistan (NESPAK) has been directed to submit its evaluation report on international bidding for constructing the 969 Mega Watt Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power project by April 10.

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Liaqat Ali Jatoi, federal minister for water and power, on Monday.

NESPAK has also been directed to complete the required formalities soon, as the project has already been delayed due to its strategic and national importance.

The minister directed the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) chairman to facilitate the completion of the project within the stipulated time frame. It was decided in the meeting that the State Bank of Pakistan would also be involved in the evaluation process of the international bidding to help NESPAK.

Earlier, Dr Amjad Pervez, NESPAK managing director, gave a detailed presentation on the progress of the project. The estimated cost of the project is $1.6 billion.

He assured the members that the tenders of the project would be announced by January 15. Bids would be received by March 15 and the evolution process for awarding the contract would be completed by April 10, he added.

The minister said the government was determined to start the project at the earliest. He added that the project would provide more power to the country to meet future requirements.

The government wanted to overcome load shedding and such projects were imperative for addressing the problem, he said.

The water and power federal secretary, special secretary and other senior officials of the ministry, WAPDA and NESPAK attended the meeting.

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