Koto Hydropower Project, 40.8 MW, inaugurated by KP CM Afridi

During his visit to Lower Dir on Saturday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi officially opened the 40.8-megawatt Koto Hydropower Project.

At an estimated cost of Rs21.7 billion, the project is anticipated to generate 207 million units of energy annually, generating an estimated Rs2.4 billion in revenue.

Officials gave a briefing during the opening ceremony, emphasising how the project would boost the province’s economic development and energy capability.

Chief Minister Afridi also officially opened the 18.5-kilometer Tormang-Razgram Road, which was finished at a cost of Rs1.5 billion, in addition to the hydropower project.

Afridi, who spoke at the event, stressed that the province is working on long-term plans to use hydropower resources as a basis for economic growth. He pointed out that initiatives generating inexpensive, clean energy will be essential to fostering industrial development and job creation.

The province’s first power transmission line, which will enable the transmission of electricity from eleven hydroelectric plants, was also announced by Afridi. Industries will receive power produced by nearby facilities at a reduced cost. “The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have the primary right over their natural resources,” he said, promising complete support for the provincial electricity distribution system.

The chief minister voiced concern about the delays in granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the visits of international engineers, which have resulted in setbacks for projects worth billions of rupees. He cautioned that the entire nation is harmed by prolonged delays, not only Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“I feel proud to see the projects initiated by him,” Afridi said in reference to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. These initiatives were started for the general public without taking into account which government would officially launch them.

He also emphasised financial issues, pointing out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is still owed Rs3 trillion by the federal government, which has yet to be paid.