The government has sanctioned the revised cost of the Dasu Hydropower Project (Stage-I), now standing at Rs. 1.74 trillion, and forwarded it to ECNEC for final approval. The project, aimed at boosting Pakistan’s electricity production and water resource management, was initially budgeted at Rs. 479 billion.
The sharp increase in cost has been attributed to delays, modifications in the design, and administrative shortcomings. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal underlined the project’s national significance and called for stricter accountability measures, openly criticizing WAPDA for its mismanagement and insufficient oversight.
Upon completion, the Dasu project is expected to play a vital role in diversifying the energy portfolio and ensuring sustainable irrigation for the future.
