PM for low-cost power generation as energy import bill surges to $27bn

MANGLA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday underscored the need for cheaper electricity generation as the country’s energy import bill has swelled to $27 billion.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the refurbishment project of Units 5 and 6 of the Mangla Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant, carried out with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan, which is already facing immense challenges of economic stability, could not bear the high costs of energy import bills.

“Had the water reservoirs been built on time, the country’s energy import bill would not have swelled to $27 billion,” he said, pointing out that “powerful lobbies and cartels” did not let materialise the construction of dams and launch of solar power projects.

PM Shehbaz regretted that in 75 years, both democratic and military rulers were responsible for not building sufficient dams to meet energy needs.

Referring to the recent flash floods in the country, he said, dams are crucial to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The prime minister termed the assistance of USAID for the refurbishment of the units of Mangla dam as a “wonderful example of cooperation” between Pakistan and the United States.

He lauded the valuable grant of $150 million by USAID along with the financial support by the Development Agency of France amounting to 90 million euros besides another pledge of 65 million euros. Also, WAPDA [Water and Power Development Authority] contributed $178 million (approximately Rs20 billion) from its own resources, he said.

He expressed satisfaction over the interest of the US to carry out an extension programme of the country’s largest Tarbela dam.

He also said the 75-year-old friendship and bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the US had further strengthened at the levels of trade and investment.