Dam Safety Project Requires Additional Financing of EUR17 mln

TIRANA, July 11

The latest report issued by the World Bank (WB) on the implementation of the project on dam safety in Albania estimates that an additional financing of Euro 17 million will be needed for the finalization of the project. According to the WB, the request will be sent in the moment when the Albanian Power Corporation will start the bid bidding process on the rehabilitation of spillways gates.
So far, the WB confirms that rehabilitation works are under implementation at Komani Hydro Power Plant (HPP). The unit number 1 was commissioned in October 2015 and the second unit is under refurbishment works. Moreover, Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) study is completed and the results and recommendations are being adopted by KESh and Albanian Institutions.
“Based on comments received from bidders, KESH and Consultant undertook an assessment of root causes for the unsuccessful bids for the Spillways Rehabilitation Package and proposed solutions. An assessment for existing spillways was provided from the consultant which is carrying out the study for flood management. The findings will be included in Bidding Documents,” it was said in the WB report.
The above-mentioned project aims at contributing to safeguarding the major hydroelectric dams of Albania, and improve their operational efficiency and enhance the stability of power supply for the regional electricity market.
The proposed project supports the development of the Energy Community in accordance with the objectives of the Energy Community of South Eastern Europe (ECSEE) APL.
The latter aims at creating a stable regulatory and market framework to attract investment in gas networks and power systems so that all states in the region have access to the stable and continuous energy supply, essential for economic development and social stability.

News Source: The WB