Energy crisis to stay for two years

ISLAMABAD - Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Monday told the National Assembly that as many as 32 small and medium sized dams would be constructed in two phases during the next five years in the country.
In a written reply to a question, the Minster said that according to phase-I, 13 dams would be constructed during the years 2009-13, while in phase-II, 19 dams would be constructed during the years 2010-14. These dams were principally meant for irrigation purpose, however, their hydropower potential would also be explored, he said.
According to the data available in the National Assembly Library, the new dams, which will be constructed in Phase-I in Balochistan, include Hirgol (1 Mega Watt), Pelar (0.72 MW), Winder (0.3 MW), Garuk (0.72MW) and Naulorg (1MW) with estimated costs of $205 million, $35 million, $2 million and $24 million respectively.
Similarly four new dams including Nai Gaj (2.3MW), Khadeji (0.2MW), Darawat (0.45MW) and Sita (0.15MW) would be constructed in Sindh with estimated costs of $231 million, $10 million, $70 million and $18 million respectively.
In Phase-II, three dams including Sukieji, Basol and Badinzai would be constructed in Balochistan. Similarly four dams including Salari, Nali, Khenji and Naing Daqm would be constructed in the province of Sindh.
According to the data, as many as eight dams including Chaudwan Zam, Tank Zam, Seikh Haider, Chashmai Akor, Chowkas, Totakan and Siran would be constructed in the NWFP. A total of five dams including Kot Fateh, Mujahid, Lawa, Mohra Shera and Jamalwal will be constructed in Punjab.