TERELA-UNS: A government inquiry has reportedly held WAPDA, the contractor, and the project consultant responsible for the failure of the temporary cofferdam at the Tarbela 5 Hydropower Project, an incident that has led to significant financial losses and substantial increases in project costs.
The Tarbela T-5 Hydropower Project, designed to generate 1,530 megawatts of electricity, is being financed through approximately $700 million in funding from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
A cofferdam is a temporary structure, typically constructed from earth, rock, or concrete, and is used to divert river water away from a construction site, allowing engineering work to be carried out in dry conditions.
According to reports, the collapse of the temporary protective embankment caused major delays and increased construction costs dramatically. The project’s estimated cost is said to have risen from Rs82 billion to Rs317 billion, representing an increase of approximately 285 percent.
The incident has sparked debate over project planning, risk assessment, and accountability in large-scale hydropower developments. Critics argue that international lending institutions should also review the circumstances that led to the cost overruns and assess whether deficiencies in planning and implementation contributed to the losses.
Observers have drawn comparisons with challenges previously encountered in other major hydropower projects, including Neelum-Jhelum and Dasu, where technical and financial setbacks resulted in delays and increased expenditures.
Energy experts remain divided on the future direction of Pakistan’s power sector. While hydropower continues to play a key role in the country’s energy mix, some analysts advocate greater investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, arguing that diversification can reduce financial risks and enhance long-term energy security.
The Tarbela 5 incident has renewed discussion on the need for stronger project management, transparent oversight, and comprehensive risk mitigation measures in the development of large infrastructure projects.
