In a significant development, the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has approved a workers’ compensation and injury benefits package for all workers employed by contractors at the Diamer Basha Dam Project (DBDP).
According to a spokesperson for DBDP, under the approved policy, financial assistance will be provided to the families of workers and laborers working with all contractors of the projects “in the event of an untimely death due to any accident”.
On the basis of the policy, in the unfortunate event of death in any accident or incident, WAPDA will provide 500,000 rupees in financial assistance to the relatives of the victim, while severely injured workers at the dam site or during work will be given 250,000 rupees per person.
The proposal to provide financial assistance to workers at the dam site was submitted for approval by General Manager/Project Director Engineer Nizakat Hussain. The proposal was then approved by the authority, chaired by Chairman Engineer Lieutenant General Sajjad Ghani (Retired).
It is important to note that the approved financial assistance is distinct from the contractor’s insurance policy. In the event of death or injury to any worker or laborer in an unfortunate incident, the relevant contractor or company provides full financial assistance according to the policy. The POWERCHINA is the main contractor of the project.
The BDDP is located on the Indus River, 40 km downstream of Chilas town, set to be completed in 2028. It will have a water storage capacity of 8.1 million acre-feet, irrigating 1.23 million acres of land. The dam will generate 4,500 MW of power, producing 18 billion units annually.
