15 percent less allocation for power sector in budget 2010-11

ISLAMABAD Daily Times : The federal cabinet has approved Rs 118.343 billion, including a foreign exchange component (FEC) of Rs 6.103 billion, in the Budget 2010-11 for the power sector under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

This year’s allocation is 15 percent less than the outgoing year’s, with Rs 114.603 billion earmarked for 68 ongoing projects under the supervision of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO).

Eight new schemes will be launched in 2010-11 under the PSDP and the allocation for these projects is Rs 3.740 billion.

For the 18 hydel power projects being undertaken by WAPDA, the government has allocated Rs 41.463 billion in the development budget 2010-11. The allocation will have an FEC of Rs 2.903 billion.

According to details, Rs 1.716 billion, with an FEC of Rs 300 million, have been allocated for the Golan Gol hydro power project in Chitral, Rs 818 million have been reserved for the Khan-Khawar hydro power project in Shangla, Besham, Rs 1.947 million, with an FEC of Rs 500 million, have been allocated for the Allai-Khawar power project in Batagram, Besham, while Rs 3.928 billion have been earmarked for the Dubir-Khawar hydro power project in Kohistan, with an FEC of Rs 500 million.

The Budget 2010-11 allocates Rs 73.140 billion for 50 ongoing projects under PEPCO including an FEC of Rs 3.2 billion. The federal government has allocated Rs 16.44 billion for eight power distribution companies operating under PEPCO.

For new schemes in the power sector, the government has allocated Rs 3.740 billion, of which Rs 120 million would go to Grid Operation and Maintenance System Improvement Project.