ISLAMABAD: The cost of important projects has multiplied several times manifold due to delaying tactics of bureaucracy, Daily Times learnt.
Sources said the cost of 969megawatt Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project has been increased to Rs 445 billion from Rs 15 billion.
They added that the government is working hard to complete the power project in February 2018, but the ground reality depicts something else.
Revised PC-3 of the project showed the cost of project as Rs 404 billion, but a source said the cost would be increased up to Rs 445 billion.
The government has received Rs 57 billion so far from the consumer in the name of the Neelum-Jhelum surcharge. Ironically, the project has not been completed despite a passage of 27 years.
The original PC-1 of the project was approved by ECNEC in December 1989 for Rs 15,012 million. According to the original plan, the waters of the River Neelum were envisaged to be diverted at Nauseri, 41 km upstream of the Domel bend through tunnels to create a head of 213 metres by a 28.49 km long headrace tunnel, outfalling near Majhoi near the upper limb of the River Jhelum to generate 500 MW of power.
However, during the feasibility study conducted by NORCONSULT, the Water and Power Ministry agreed on an improved option of diverting water in a single stretch through a 32.5 km tunnel to generate 963MW power. The final plan of the project intends to utilise a gross head of 40 metres by diverting 280 m3/sec of water of River Neelum from Nauseri, 41 km upstream of Muzaffarabad, to the lower limb of the river through a 32.5 km long headrace tunnel system which will travel in the mountainous region. Four vertical shaft Francis turbines will be installed in an underground power station to generate 963MW.
PC-3 of the project revised upward to Rs 404.321 billion mainly because of the inclusion of duties, taxes and IDC (interests during cost) until the completion of the project and the cost of the consultant.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Planning also showed displeasure over the delay. The committee directed the officials to expedite the work and complete the project within due time.
Sources said the project is being named as a new wonder of Pakistan as 10 percent of the project is on the surface and 90 percent is underground, consisting of 64-kilometre-long tunnels. The project, as of today, is facing still financial constraints, but the management of the project manages to keep constructing and the 32-kilometre-long left tunnel was completed.
Sources said that after giving the additional time of five months, it might be possible that the project will be completed in the mid-2018.
