Nawaz okays two more coal-fired power plants

LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Saturday approved two additional coal-fired power plants to be constructed by the government in Gadani on the mode of the Independent Power Producer (IPP).

The approval to this effect was granted by the prime minister in a meeting held here under his chair to review the pace of work on the Gadani power project.

He said on the occasion that the nation would be provided relief as far as loadshedding was concerned as efforts were afoot to generate more power to bridge the demand-supply gap.

He also directed the authorities concerned to provide maximum relief to the people from loadshedding during the holy month of Ramazan.

The premier said that attractive tariff for coal-fired power plants has drawn investors from the world to invest in the power projects in Pakistan. He also appreciated Chinese investment in the energy sector and especially the Gadani Power Park.

During the meeting, the prime minister also directed that sufficient funds should be allocated for these additional projects in the Public Sector Development Programme.

Earlier, the prime minister was given a detailed briefing on the status of the project. He was told that the feasibility study of the infrastructure installation would be completed by the end of June, which included a geo-technical investigation, water resource survey, jetty breakwater and cooling water intake system. The environment impact system study would be completed by June 30.

The prime minister was told that the work on land levelling and grading on the site would start within three weeks and be completed in three months. He was also briefed that the coal handling and conveying system infrastructure would be installed in 22 months. Similarly a jetty breakwater and allied infrastructure would be completed in 32 months. — APP

INP adds: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed to provide maximum relief to the people from loadshedding during the holy month of Ramazan and said that first turbine of the Nandipur power project would be inaugurated on 31st May.

During meeting the prime minister said getting out of the energy crisis is the first priority of the government.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and others.

The prime minister said that the government would implement the promises made to the people during the elections. He said they also believe in strengthening democracy and institutions and assured that those trying to do the politics of anarchy would not be allowed to succeed.