USAID Energy Policy Program: Monthly Report June 2012 - Completion of Gomal Zam Dam, Hydro Power and Transmission Line Project

The project, implemented under the USAID Energy Policy Program, aims to enhance the country's energy sector by increasing power generation and transmission capacity. The project is being executed by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in collaboration with Advanced Engineering Associates International, Inc. (AEAI). The project involves the construction of a 109-meter-high dam, a 132-kilovolt transmission line, and a hydropower plant with a capacity of 130 megawatts. The main dam and spillway concrete and related works are 100% complete, with mechanical testing of dam fixtures also completed. The hydropower and switchyard components are 98% complete, with the installation of transmission line towers complete and stringing of conductors in progress. The project's reservoir is being filled, with the water level increasing to 715 meters. Final testing and commissioning of the project are dependent on the reservoir filling up to a normal operating level of 743 meters, which is expected in August-September 2012. The project's completion date has been revised to September 30, 2012, under Amendment No. 1 to the Activity Agreement. As of June 2012, the total disbursement of the $40 million USG funding committed for the Gomal Zam project is $36,589,000. The project's status is tabulated below, showing the completion status of various work items, including main dam and spillways concrete and related works, hydropower and switchgear components, and transmission line and related works. The project's progress is on schedule, with final testing dependent on the completion of the transmission line, switchyard, and availability of water. The project's completion is expected to enhance the country's energy sector, increasing power generation and transmission capacity, and contributing to the country's economic development.