U.S. Supports Completion of Gomal Zam Dam in Pakistan

Posted by Alberto Rodriguez / April 25, 2011

Alberto Rodriguez serves as Spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.

A delegation of senior United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officials joined the Water and Power Development Authority's (WAPDA) Chairman, Shakil Durrani, on a visit to Gomal Zam on April 21, for an update on construction progress. USAID is co-funding completion of the Gomal Zam Dam, which will add 17.4 mega-watts of power to the national grid. This amount is sufficient to supply electricity for 25,000 households.

With USAID support, WAPDA has already completed more than 90 percent of the dam and hydropower components, as well as nearly half of the transmission line of the Gomal Zam project. The reservoir has already started filling with water, and by mid-May, testing and commissioning of the first powerhouse unit will begin. The entire project is expected to be finished by this coming winter.

"This project will increase the supply of electricity to thousands of consumers and enterprises in the country," said USAID Mission Director Andrew Sisson during his visit to Gomal Zam. "The dam will also help protect downstream villages and towns from floods, and provide irrigation water to farmers."

As part of the U.S. government's long-term commitment to improve energy supply in the country, USAID is supporting the completion of several high-impact energy sector projects in Pakistan. In addition to Gomal Zam Dam, USAID is helping construct Satpara Dam, modernize three generators in Tarbela Dam, and upgrade the thermal plants at Jamshoro, Guddu, and Muzaffargarh. USAID is also partnering with the Government of Pakistan to reduce inefficiencies in the use of electricity and reform the sector so that it can grow with the economy and pay for regular maintenance.

This will support economic growth, fuel job creation, and improve the lives of Pakistani citizens.

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