Twelve new grid stations will be constructed in Karachi as part of Rs 13.6 billion developmental package for Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) already announced by the Federal Government.
Federal Minister for Water and Power, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said this on Saturday while talking to APP about the four years package for KESC.
Responding to a question about the details of the package, the minister said that the Federal Government announced this package to provide smooth supply of electricity to industrial, commercial and residential areas of Karachi by upgrading installed systems at grid stations besides other renovation work of lines.
The minister said that all main transmission lines would be upgraded during the next three to four years aimed at meeting requirements of the said areas for next 20 years.
Regarding reimbursement of allocation funds to KESC during the current fiscal year, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said that Rs 3.6 billion have already been made available to KESC for renovation and maintenance work under this package.
The government has already issued a directive to the management of KESC to complete a survey report having priorities of various; areas regarding maintenance, upgradation and renovation work, he said.
When asked to comment on the expected announcement of power tariff under the recommendations of the Task Force, the minister said, "The committee has submitted its recommendations to the Ministry to place them before the Federal Cabinet for final approval."
Responding to a question about expected relief in power tariff, the minister assured, "The nation will listen good news soon."
It may be mentioned here that the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao constituted a Task Force on the issue of electricity tariff last year.
The Task Force prepared recommendations after studying the issue in full perspective for formulating concrete proposals for possible reduction in tariff.
The Task Force started working on the assignment last year and held many meetings in this regard.
Suggestions from experts and specialists as well as general consumers were given due consideration before finalising recommendations.
Advertisement was given in all the major national newspapers on July 6 and 24, 2003 in order to invite suggestions for possible reduction in the electricity tariff' from the general consumers and various stakeholders.
Over whelming response was received from the general consumers and 182 people submitted their suggestions to reduce electricity tariff.
A preliminary report of the Task Force was submitted to the Ministry on August 16, 2003.
Comments
Comments are closed.