Chinese halt work on mega power projects

PESHAWAR: Chinese nationals have stopped working on Diamer and Dasu dams after a suicide attack killed five Chinese engineers working on Dasu power project a few days ago.

The Chinese have also suspended work on Dasu and Turbela dams, according to media reports. However, the Chinese engineers and technicians have not halted work at Mohmand and Lavi power projects.

Officials said about 500 Chinese nationals were working at Diamer dam, 741 at Dasu dam in upper Kohistan and 250 at Mohmand dam. Some Chinese are also working at Lavi power project near Drosh, Lower Chitral.

Diamer dam will generate 4,800 megawatts and Dasu dam 4,320 megawatts of electricity.

The officials said that local people working in Diamer and Dasu dams had been asked to stay at home till further orders.

They expressed the hope that work at the mega project sites would start soon. They said security for the Chinese nationals was being further enhanced at all project sites.