Washington gives $16.5m to Islamabad for power plant
ISLAMABAD. January 14. KAZINFORM US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke announced on Wednesday that the US government is to contribute $16.5 million to improve the operating capacity of the Tarbela Dam hydroelectric plant. Grant funding will be provided to the Ministry of Water and Power (MoWP), and implemented through the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Kazinform refers to Arab News.
"The energy crisis in Pakistan is an issue that affects everyone," Ambassador Holbrooke said at a ceremony marking the signing of the agreement. "Power blackouts cripple commerce and cause suffering in the daily lives of millions of Pakistanis. An efficient system of power generation and distribution is a critical factor in spurring economic development to the benefit of all."
The rehabilitation, expected to be complete within 18-24 months, is part of a $125 million "signature" program announced by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in October aimed at increasing electricity output and improving energy efficiency in Pakistan, Kazinform cites Arab News. See www.arabnews.com for full version.