Islamabad, January 7, 2011: Mr. Frank Ruggiero, Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, signed two agreements to provide $66 million to finish the Gomal Zam and Satpara dam projects. These dams, which will provide over 35 megawatts of power to nearly 55,000 households in South Waziristan and Skardu, are examples of the United States Government's commitment to help meet Pakistan's energy needs.

"Last year's devastating floods demonstrated the need for flood control infrastructure" said Mr. Ruggiero. "These two multipurpose dams will control flood waters, provide electricity, and store water for irrigation and household use for downstream villages." U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Andrew Sisson, Water and Power Development Authority Chairman Shakil Durrani, and Ministry of Water and Power Secretary Javed Iqbal also signed the agreement.

The United States is providing $40 million to help complete the Gomal Zam multipurpose dam in South Waziristan (FATA). The project will provide 17.4 megawatts of electricity to power 25,000 households and mitigate an estimated $2.6 million of potential flood damage annually. The Gomal Zam dam will have the capacity to store enough water to irrigate 191,000 acres of farmland.

The United States is also providing $26 million to complete the Satpara multipurpose dam project, located in Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan). The dam will provide 17.7 megawatts of power to nearly 30,000 households and help alleviate load shedding in Skardu. The water storage capacity will irrigate over 15,000 acres of land and provide 3.1 million gallons per day of potable drinking water. After completion of the dam, annual agricultural output is expected to increase more than four-fold, generating about $6 million in additional economic benefit to the community each year.

These projects will provide energy solutions and improve the quality of life for people in FATA and Gilgit Baltistan. The U.S. Government is committed to a long-term partnership with Pakistan and will continue to support projects that benefit the Pakistani people and bring economic development to these critical areas of the country.