LOWER DIR (Dunya News) – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday inaugurated the 40.8-megawatt Koto Hydropower Project during his visit to Lower Dir.
The project, completed at a cost of Rs21.7 billion, is expected to generate 207 million units of electricity annually, producing an estimated revenue of Rs2.4 billion.
During the inaugural ceremony, officials provided a briefing highlighting the project’s role in strengthening the province’s energy capacity and economic growth.
In addition to the hydropower project, Chief Minister Afridi also inaugurated the 18.5-kilometre Tormang-Razgram Road, completed at a cost of Rs1.5 billion.
Speaking on the occasion, Afridi emphasised that the provincial government is pursuing long-term planning to harness hydroelectric resources as a foundation for economic development. He noted that projects producing clean and affordable energy will play a crucial role in promoting employment and industrial growth.
Afridi also announced the province’s first power transmission line, which will facilitate electricity transmission from 11 hydropower projects. Power generated from local plants will be supplied to industries at discounted rates. He assured full support for the provincial power distribution system, stating that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have the primary right over their natural resources.
The chief minister expressed concern over delays in issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign engineers’ visits, which have caused setbacks to multibillion-rupee projects. He warned that these delays harm not only Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but the entire country.
Afridi praised former prime minister Imran Khan, saying, “I feel proud to see the projects initiated by him. These projects were launched for the public without consideration of which government would inaugurate them.”
He further highlighted financial grievances, stating that the federal government still owes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rs3 trillion, which remains unpaid.