Diamer-Bhasha Dam Costs Surge Due to Previous Government’s Inefficiencies, Says Minister Ahsan Iqbal
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Diamer district in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, has been controversial since its inception. Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that the project’s cost has surged by over 300% due to the inefficiencies of the previous government.
The cost of the dam has escalated from PKR 479 billion to PKR 1,400 billion. Iqbal stated, “Funding shortages and delays have caused the project’s cost to escalate. We are enduring the fallout from the previous government’s mismanagement in every sector.”
The dam is situated in a highly seismic zone, causing major concerns for local residents. The construction has negatively impacted citizens, who have not been compensated for land acquisitions. Promises of jobs have also not been fulfilled.
The financing plan for the project remains incomplete. Iqbal explained that the cost began to escalate due to delays and postponements. In December 2020, the previous administration commenced construction without securing the necessary finances.
The meeting discussing these issues was attended by the Secretary for Planning, the Chairperson of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), and senior officials from relevant institutions.
Doubts Revealed
Diamer-Bhasha Dam -: The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is a big construction project in Pakistan. It is meant to store water and produce electricity.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a province in Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern part of the country.
Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan -: Gilgit-Baltistan is a region that Pakistan controls but is also claimed by India. It is located in the northern part of Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal -: Ahsan Iqbal is a politician in Pakistan. He is responsible for planning and development projects in the country.
PKR -: PKR stands for Pakistani Rupee, which is the currency used in Pakistan.
Seismic zone -: A seismic zone is an area where earthquakes are common. Building in these areas can be risky because of the ground shaking.
Land acquisitions -: Land acquisitions mean the government takes land from people to use for projects like building a dam. The people should be paid for their land.
Financing plan -: A financing plan is a way to figure out how to pay for a big project. It includes where the money will come from and how it will be spent.