Wapda Champions Girls’ Education with Significant Investment in Diamer Bhasha Dam Project Area
The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering educational opportunities, with a particular emphasis on empowering girls, within the vicinity of the Diamer Bhasha Dam Project. In a significant move to bolster primary education for underserved communities, Wapda has sanctioned an investment of PKR 94.23 million for 75 Community Based Accelerated Learning Schools (CBALS) located in the Diamer District.
This crucial funding initiative is set to directly benefit approximately 2,250 out-of-school girls across the regions of Chilas, Tangir, and Darel. The program aims to provide these young learners with access to essential primary education, bridging the gap for those who have previously been excluded from formal schooling.
The CBALS program, previously operated in partnership with the READ Foundation, faced an imminent threat of closure due to a severe lack of financial resources. Recognizing the critical importance of these educational facilities, Wapda has strategically allocated funds from its contingency budget to ensure their continued operation and sustainability.
Under a newly established collaborative framework, these schools will now operate for a period of three years. This extended operational period is underpinned by a structured partnership involving joint oversight from Wapda, the Education Department of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the READ Foundation. This tripartite approach is designed to ensure effective management, resource allocation, and educational quality.
Beyond the immediate operational support for the CBALS, Wapda has also approved a substantial rehabilitation project for five selected government schools situated in Tangir and Darel. This comprehensive upgrade will involve the provision of essential educational facilities, aiming to create a more conducive learning environment for students. Furthermore, the initiative includes the procurement of two coaster buses, specifically to facilitate student transportation to and from these schools.
A dedicated sum of PKR 29.5 million has been earmarked for this extensive rehabilitation and infrastructure development project.
This forward-thinking initiative stems directly from a proposal put forth by the Gilgit Baltistan Scouts. The implementation of this project will be managed under the joint supervision of Wapda, the Education Department of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the GB Scouts, ensuring a coordinated and efficient execution. The scope of work will encompass not only repair and rehabilitation of existing school infrastructure but also the provision of vital educational resources, including furniture, stationery, and other necessary learning materials. To facilitate prompt action, Wapda has formally communicated its approval and directives to the Deputy Director of Education in Diamer, urging swift implementation of the project.
Wapda’s dedication to advancing education in the Diamer District, particularly through initiatives linked to the Diamer Bhasha Dam Project, is a long-standing commitment. Previously, the authority has made significant contributions to the educational landscape, including:
- Establishment of Cadet College Chilas: A landmark educational institution built at a cost of PKR 2.10 billion, providing advanced academic and leadership training.
- Establishment of Army Public School in Thor: An investment of PKR 22.6 million to support primary and secondary education in the Thor region.
- Upgradation of Government Schools: Several government schools in Tangir and Darel have already undergone significant upgrades, enhancing their learning environments.
Currently, a pipeline of other educational projects within District Diamer are at various stages of the approval and implementation processes, underscoring Wapda’s persistent efforts to create a robust and accessible educational ecosystem for all residents.
