Water and Energy Security through Microhydels in the Hindukush, Pakistan (Phase 02)

Energy supply in Chitral is grossly inadequate despite its huge potential for generating clean hydropower. With limited government and donor support, the rural electrification happened mainly in the southern part of Chitral which is partly connected to the national grid around the main urban commercial centers. Ethnic minorities in remote valleys with marginal road infrastructure have not benefited from such interventions. Both project valleys have huge untapped hydro-power potential that could set in motion a process of social economic development.

The quality of life is improved and the resource-base degradation of marginalised communities in two remote mountain valleys is reduced

The politically and economically marginalized communities living in 21 villages (2’278 households) in the remote Yarkhun and Laspur valleys of Chitral district.

Outcome 1:

The people in Yarkhun and Laspur valleys utilize the electricity generated for new development opportunities.

Outcome 2:

The installed micro hydels are operating in a sustainable manner to the maximum benefit of the people of Yarkhun and Laspur valleys.

Expected results:  

Output 1.1: Business interest groups invest into water- and energy-linked trade and production ventures and value chains building on project investment.

Output 1.2: The agricultural production is increased through adoption of environment friendly livestock and crop systems on the subsistence farms

Output 1.3: Village authorities & village organizations stimulate environment friendly livestock and crop systems on the subsistence farms.

Output 2.1: Community-based Power Utility Companies operate on a commercial basis

Output 2.2: Efficient performance of installed micro Hydels and transmission and distribution systems.

Output 2.3: The villages protect the new hydro-infrastructure and their settlements against landslides and flash floods

Output 2.4: The villages protect their catchments against erosion and ecological destruction

Results from previous phases:  

Two large hydro-power generators of 500 and 800 KW respectively were installed and are ready for operation.

Unexpected technical challenges and gaps in the planning process caused by the financial and technical complexity of the intervention considerably delayed project implementation.

A comprehensive operation & management system needs to be firmly in place to achieve the maximum level of impact and benefits for the communities.

The ownership of the project by the communities is very high and the availability of the power raised high expectations which need to be addressed carefully.

Project planning should consider wider complementary operations and funds to protect the new installations and to mobilize local economic development by means of stable supply and productive use of electricity.

Line agencies of the KP government (Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Forest Dept., Wildlife Dept. and Irrigation Dept.) and village councils.

PPAF, Acumen Fund, WB, KFW, HSI, SRSP, WB (CDCF)

Phase 2 01.10.2015 - 30.06.2019   (Completed)