M UZ A F FA R A B A D : Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Sunday assured the Chinese technical team executing the long-delayed Jagran-II hydropower project of full government support, including coverage of unforeseen technical costs, while urging swift re-mobilisation of manpower to ensure commissioning of at least two units before the end of this year.

Chairing a review meeting with Power Development Organisation (PDO) officials and the Chinese project manager at the project`s camp office in Kuttan, Mr Haq said the government was committed to resolving all bottle-necks and would not shift the burden of additional expenditures-such as treatment of rusted and waterlogged turbine panels-onto the project`s contracting firm.

The 48MW Jagran-II, located in the scenic Neelum Valley, is a run-ofthe-river facility funded by France`s Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in partnership with Pakistan`s public sector.

The project has faced significant delays due to design issues and the evacuation of foreign experts amid heightened cross-border tensions earlier this year.

Chinese engineers had been relocated to Islamabad for safety but returned home before the situation stabilised.So far, only the project manager has returned to Pakistan-arriving at the project site on July 9.

In Sunday`s briefing, the Chinese project manager informed the premier that due to prolonged site inactivity and exposure to moisture, some turbine components inside the powerhouse might have developed rust and waterlogging, warranting inspection before commissioning.

He said the costs for technical evaluation and treatment would be additional.

Responding, the AJK premier directed PDO to invite relevant experts from China or Pakistan without delay, assuring that all required funds would be covered under the project cost. Staff Correspondent