USAID ENERGY POLICY PROGRAM MONTHLY REPORT AUGUST 2012 COMPLETION OF GOMAL ZAM DAM, HYDROPOWER AND TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT

The project was initiated under the USAID Energy Policy Program, with a contract number of AID-EPP-I-00-03-00004 and Task Order 08. The project implementation agreement was signed between USAID and WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) under the agreement number 391-PEPA-ENR-GOMAL-PIL-001. The project's main objective is to generate hydroelectric power and provide irrigation facilities to the surrounding areas. The dam's construction was slowed down due to the abduction of eight WAPDA employees assigned to the project and high security risks in the area. Despite these challenges, the main dam and spillway concrete and related works were completed 100% by August 2012. The hydropower and switchyard components were 98% complete, with the filling of the reservoir started and the water level increased to 717 meters. The project's completion is dependent on the completion of the switchyard, transmission line, and filling of the reservoir to a normal operating level of 743 meters. However, the completion of the Gomal Zam Dam Powerhouse and switchyard may be delayed due to WAPDA's inability to make payments to its contractors and high security risks in FATA. The project's completion date was revised to September 30, 2013, under Amendment No. 1 to the Activity Agreement. As of August 2012, the total disbursement of the $40 million USG funding committed for the Gomal Zam (energy component) was $36,589,000. The project's status is tabulated below, showing the completion status, agreement amount, claims submitted, and present status of each work item. The project's total status is 88% complete, with the main dam and spillways concrete and related works being 100% complete, and the hydropower and switchgear component being 98% complete.