Mohmand Dam cost jumps 115%

The Express Tribune reported that Wapda has put the revised cost of the under-construction Mohmand Dam at Rs666 billion, up Rs356 billion, or 115%, from the Rs310 billion approved in 2018. The updated estimate was presented to the Central Development Working Party this week, but the body did not decide on it because of limited time.

Officials attributed 51% of the increase to dollar parity, while project explanations also cited design changes, the 2022 floods and security issues among factors behind higher costs and delays. About 57% of physical work was complete as of last month, with Rs275 billion spent; the original completion target was September 2025. The revised estimate puts the dam component at Rs267 billion and power generation at Rs399 billion, while the project is expected to add 2.9 billion units to the national grid and provide drinking water to Peshawar.