Energy crisis

The Dasu Dam – a mega project of the government – is being constructed to fulfil the necessary energy needs of Pakistan. Once its first stage is completed in 2021, it will provide over 2,000 MW of electricity. Pakistan has been suffering from a shortage of energy for a very long time and the current government has assured the people that the energy crisis will be over by 2018. Even though a drastic change in the energy sector is unlikely to occur by 2018, the country is on the right path.

The government awarded Rs180 billion worth of two contracts to a Chinese firm for carrying out the main civil works in the first stage of the Dasu hydropower project. The two contracts were formally awarded to China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC) and the agreements were signed between the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and the CGGC. After the first stage is complete, a second stage for the provision of another 4,000 MW of electricity may be undertaken. If this happens, our energy crisis may be over.

Tasneem Yaseen

Lahore