Saidu Sharif, The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is on track to divert the River Swat in April at the site of the under-construction Mohmand Dam, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progress. The dam, situated in the Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is steadily advancing towards its completion date, with the diversion system nearing readiness.
According to Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority, the visit by WAPDA Chairman Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd) to the dam site underscored the importance of the project and the urgency of completing the diversion system on schedule. The chairman reviewed ongoing construction activities at critical sections of the project, including the spillway, diversion tunnels, and power house, in the company of advisors, project managers, consultants, and contractors.
The progress review meeting held at the project office highlighted that construction work is actively proceeding on 12 sites. The project team briefed the chairman on various aspects, such as the diversion scheme, concreting and stabilization efforts at the spillway, and excavation work for the power house and irrigation tunnels. The chairman was informed of the permanent relocation of offices and staff to newly constructed facilities within the project area, with further relocations planned as additional buildings are completed.
Chairman Ghani emphasized the need for the timely completion of the Mohmand Dam and instructed contractors to accelerate quarry development activities for the dam’s construction, suggesting the deployment of additional resources to meet deadlines.
The Mohmand Dam is envisioned as a multipurpose project that will provide a host of benefits upon its expected completion in 2026. It aims to store water for agricultural use, mitigate flood risks, supply water to Peshawar for urban consumption, and generate sustainable hydropower. The dam will have a significant impact on the region, with the capacity to store 1.29 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, irrigate over 18,000 acres of new land, enhance irrigation for an additional 160,000 acres, and generate 800 MW of power. Additionally, it will supply 300 million gallons of water daily to Peshawar for drinking purposes, with annual benefits projected at Rs. 51.6 billion.