In recent years, numerous hydro projects have been launched in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) to address Pakistan’s electricity generation needs. Funded by both federal and provincial governments and supported by international organizations, these projects aimed to provide cheap and uninterrupted electricity to local populations.
Despite the efforts, many of these projects remain incomplete. The 42 independent power producers (IPPs) play a crucial role in Pakistan’s electricity generation, yet several mini hydropower stations in KPK are not operational. Representatives of Citizens Voice visited various projects in the Surang Valley of Mansehra district, discovering that while these projects are 90% complete, they are not yet producing electricity.
Local residents highlighted that the cost of electricity from these hydro projects is estimated to be Rs.5 per unit, inclusive of all expenses. They urged the federal government and relevant institutions to expedite the completion and handover of these projects. Locals expressed their readiness to manage the operations themselves if given control.
Concerns have been raised that delays in completing these projects could lead to damage to the machinery and components. Immediate action by the federal government and related authorities is necessary to ensure that these hydro projects can start benefiting the common citizen without further delays.
