KARACHI:
The government of Sindh has taken serious notice of the move to import coal for the Jamshoro Power Company rather than using the Thar reserves.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has written a letter to Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf asking him to intervene in the matter. Shah demanded the federal government utilise coal from Thar for the Jamshoro power plant, and has also requested the premier to ask the company to sign an MoU with the provincial government in this regard.
The letter stated that delaying the matter would not only jeopardise the province’s economy, but also that of the country.
Sources privy to developments said the prime minister is due to arrive in Karachi today (Tuesday). It is said that Shah will take up the province’s reservations over Genco Power Company’s performance.
Some say there is a strong lobby of oil importing companies and bureaucrats against the Thar Coal Project, and that it is trying to import coal from India.
The provincial government also held a meeting with the premier earlier and got the go-ahead for utilising Thar coal, but the chief executive’s order are reportedly being flouted.
Around $1 billion is required for the Jamshoro project if Thar coal is used. The provincial government maintains several investors will be willing to invest once the venture is initiated.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2012.
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Good to See CM has woke up in the end time of his tenure.