powerhouses: CM Baloch accuses govt of reneging on its fuel pledge

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch accused the federal government on Friday of not living up to its commitment of providing fuel to four powerhouses for generating electricity in far-flung regions of the province.

“The provincial authorities have already paid in advance millions of rupees to the Quetta Electricity Supply Company (Qesco) for implementing several development schemes,” he said while chairing a high-level meeting attended among others by Minister of State for Power Abid Sher Ali.

Powerhouses and generators have been installed in Nokkundi, Dureji, Ormara, Washuk and Jiwani and the federal government has committed to provide fuel for at least four powerhouses. Yet it failed to honour its commitment, he added.

Dr Malik pointed out that though there are many posts lying vacant in Qesco, local people have not been considered for employment.

In response, Abid Sher Ali promised that locals would be hired for all vacant posts.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2015.