China abandons Pakistan’s Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric project
China abandoned repairs to Pakistan’s 969 megawatt Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric project, leaving much of the country in limbo. In a major setback for Pakistan, China abandoned repairs to the mega-project of the 969-megawatt Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric power plant, leaving much of the country in limbo at a time when the country is already struggling to meet her needs in the midst of the floods.
The hydroelectric project is located in Azad Kashmir and has been closed since early July this year. Initially, it was closed due to an energy crisis, but several reasons for the closure were cited later, including security issues.
The Chinese have apologized with local protests against the plant and the failure of Pakistani police to provide credible security, but the sudden reversal of the project by China has created a huge divide between Pakistan and China over projects joint hydroelectric. According to Islam Khabar, hydroelectric power was founded about three years ago with a value of Rs 508 billion. But soon the differences between Pakistani and Chinese authorities on joint projects were observed repeatedly.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), which manages hydroelectric plants, has also confirmed that the project has been blocked and the plant has been closed for safety reasons. On the one hand, Islamabad accused the Chinese of not working properly, the Chinese accused the Pakistani government of not paying the dues on time.
China abandons Pakistan’s Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric project
During the meeting with the WAPDA and the Chinese officials, the former stressed the slow progress despite the time extensions, the poor build quality and the poor supervision and management. The Chinese have complained of regular sporadic attacks on their officials and other employees linked to major projects, including the CPEC. Pakistani authorities contradict the claims by accusing the Chinese of failing to follow security protocols at the site.
