The World Bank funded 1,410 MW Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project costing US$ 928 million will help to reduce loadshedding substantially in the country.

Briefing the media on Sunday at site about its salient features, Project Director, Khursheed Anwar said that the 5-year project involves detailed design, preparation of tender documents and installation of three units of 470 MW each with a total 1,410 MW at Tarbela on existing tunnel-4.

He said that actually Tarbela dam meant for irrigation purpose has already 3,478 MW installed power generation capacity on tunnels- 1, 2 and 3. He said that tunnel 4 was originally intended for irrigation releases only but subsequent studies proposed conversion to irrigation cum generation tunnel.

He said that neither land acquisition nor resettlement or rehabilitation is involved at any stage of the project.

He said that minor environmental issues like dust and noise pollution will be properly taken care of as per international standards for mega project.

The Project Director said that one million families would benefit from additional generated power units and it would help reduce the span of load shedding substantially.

He said that about Rs 39 billion per annum revenue is expected after completion of the project which he added will also generate 2000 to 2500 jobs for locals. The world bank soft loan is payable within 15 years.

Chief Engineer (Power), Ahamd Waheed said that the pace of work on the project was satisfactory. He said Chairman WAPDA Shakeel Durrani is taking keen interest in the early completion of the project.