Meeting discusses setting up of 356 powerhouses

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2: A delegation of five NGOs implementing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Government 356 Micro/Mini Hydro Power Projects led by Israruddin, the district general secretary Chitral, met PTI leader Asad Umar at KP House Islamabad, says a press release. The delegation comprised Fazli Rabbi and Intikhab Alam from Green Alternative Power & Hydrolink, Muhammad Darjat from the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), Amir Suhail Marwat and Wasim Ahmad from the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), Aftab Ahmad from Zaif Foundation and Abid Ali and Khaliq Ahmad from Dir Area Development Organization (DADO). The meeting was also participated by the concerned officials of KP Energy and Power Department and Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO). Matters relating to “Community Mobilization and Construction of 356 Micro/Mini Hydro Power Projects (MHPs) in 12 northern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” were discussed in the meeting. Engineer Fazli Rabbi told the meeting that work on community mobilization and feasibilities are in its final stages. However, due to delay in release of funds to the NGOs physical work on the projects and procurement process of the electro mechanical equipment could not be started. He also said that this has caused frustration and disappointment among the local communities where these MHPs are going to be established. The meeting was told by the concerned officials that delay in release of funds to the NGOs was due to delay in approval of revised PC-I by the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP). It has now been approved and the file is in process in the provincial secretariat. Upon this Asad Umar phoned Mr. Muhammad Atif Khan, Provincial Minister of Energy and Power, Chief Secretary Office and Chief Minister Office, during the meeting, to expedite the approval process and release of funds to NGOs at its earliest so that physical work on the projects could be started soon. At the end of the meeting, thanking the participants, Mr. Asad said that this project of MHPs is his favorite project because it not only meant for rural electrification but for community and women empowerment.]]>