PPAF Microhydel inaugurated by Federal Finance Minister

July 19, 2008 

Federal Minister for Finance & Privatization, Mr. Naveed Qamar inaugurated an environment-friendly micro hydel electricity project established by Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) through Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) to fulfill energy needs of disadvantaged communities in a remote village of Ahmedabad in Hunza Valley. Mr. Kamal Hyat, CEO/MD PPAF, Mr. Al-Nashir Jamal, CEO, Aga Khan Foundation-Pakistan and others were also present on this occasion

Speaking on the occasion Mr.Naveed Qamar said that the Government of Pakistan would replicate the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund’s Ahmedabad model of development in Hunza Valley and in other parts of the country. He remarked that resources of PPAF accompanied by truth, passion and solidarity expressed by the community members made possible to accomplish this unique project.

Located 108-km off Gilgit in Ahmedabad village in Hunza Valley and supported by funding of United States Department of Agriculture, the micro hydel power project has been established at the cost of more than Rs. 13 million. It covers a cluster of five small hamlets with a population of 2400. Consisting of pelton wheel turbine and 15 cusecs power channel flow, the project has the power generation capacity of 300 KW.

The on ground operation and maintenance of the micro hydel project is managed entirely by local community. It would provide electricity to 450 households on sustainable basis and would reduce the workload on women and cut back expenses incurred on fuel, wood & kerosene oil consumption for heating and cooking purposes. It would also promote small businesses and clean and renewable energy technologies.

Federal Minister for Finance & Privatization Mr. Naveed Qamar, CEO/MD PPAF Mr. Kamal Hyat and CEO Aga Khan Foundation-Pakistan

Mr. Al-Nashir Jamal at the inauguration of Ahmedabad Microhydel Power Project (Hunza)