Local consultant Pakistan Hydro Consultants says that three more tenders are to be issued for work on the Ghazi Barotha hydroelectric project. The three remaining contracts will be for the supply and installation of high-voltage switchgear with an approximate value of $60 million; instrumentation and control equipment, expected to be worth about $18 million; and the supply of miscellaneous equipment, which will include low-voltage switchgear, elevators and transformers, with an approximate contract value of about $60 million. No date has been set for the issue of tender documents but project sources say they are expected early next year.

Awards for three other contracts are expected before the end of the year. China's Dongfang Electric Corporation has been selected as preferred bidder for the construction of the power complex, after submitting the lowest bid of Rs 8,900 million ($222 million) in January. France's GEC Alsthom is the low bidder for two separate contracts to supply generators and turbines (MEED 5:7:96).

Work has already begun on the 1,450-MW hydroelectric power scheme. A consortium led by Italy's Impregilo is constructing a barrage and power channel. The client is the Water & Power Development Authority. The consultant, Pakistan Hydro Consultants, is a joint venture comprising Harza Engineering Company International of the US, Ewbank Preece and Binnie, Black & Veatch, both of the UK, and two local firms, National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) and Associated Consulting Engineers.