Zardari performs earth-breaking of two hydro power projects

SUKKUR: PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari performed the foundation stone laying ceremony of two hydro power projects to be constructed on Nara and Rohri canals at the cost of 84 million dollars near here on Monday and termed it a historic day. Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah was also present on the occasion. Zardari said that the ground-breaking of these two projects was a reflection of the government’s resolve to achieve the energy security for speedy development of the country.
“We are spending Rs84 million dollars on this area which will provide employment to locals and help significantly in poverty alleviation,” he said.Zardari said that Nara Hydro Power project will be constructed at RD-26 of Nara Canal at the cost of 47.6 million dollars.
He appreciated the Sindh government’s efforts for following the guidelines of Benazir Bhutto for investing in power generation. “Once both projects become operational, it will create a great impact on local economy,” he said.
He further said that another mega project of 40MW hydro power project will also be built at the Guddu Barrage. Talking about the Sukkur Barrage, the PPP co-chairman said that without changing its structure, a rehabilitation study of the barrage would be conducted.
This barrage is state-of-art adding that it has revolutionised the economy of the province. “It would be protected and strengthened,” he added.On the occasion, Zardari directed that these two projects should be completed within the scheduled time of two- and-a-half years.
Earlier, consultant hydro power projects, Khursheed Ahmed Jamali said that it would generate 15MW electricity.Talking about the Rohri Hydro Power Project, he said that it would be built at RD-15 of Rohri Canal and its capacity in the peak season would be 9 MW and its construction cost would come to 36.4 million dollars.
Qaim Ali Shah also spoke on the occasion.Minister for Finance and Energy Syed Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Minister for Health and Food Jam Mehtab Dahar, Syed Javed Ali Shah, MPA Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and other PPP leaders, including top officials of the concerned departments, also attended the ceremony.