Government focusing on development of hydropower resources: Khawaja Asif

Islamabad, March 04, 2014 (PPI-OT): Federal Minister for Water and Power, Khawaja Asif has said that the government is focussing on development of hydropower resources to achieve long term vision of the power sector and to overcome its challenges. He said this while addressing the bid opening ceremony of 100 MW Kotli hydropower project, held here today in the Ministry. MOS for water and power Abid Sher Ali was also present.

The opening of proposals for 100 MW Kotli hydropower project is one of the examples of our interest in improving the hydro-thermal mix in the country, he added. Mr. Asif further said the project will not only provide the clean-affordable and reliable electricity in the national but also provide employment in the area. “We are optimistic, with the support and cooperation of investors, and the commitment of the government, we will overcome the power crisis in shortest possible time”, he said.

The Proposals were invited from prospective investors for development, financing and construction of 100 MW Kotli Hydro Power Project in private sector through national and international print media in December 2013. Initially five companies of Chinese, Thailand and Pakistani origin showed their interest and finally three companies submitted firm proposals.

The companies submitted their proposals for 100 MW Kotli Hydropower project include M/s CWE Investment Corporation, China, M/s Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL, Thailand and M/s Sachal Engineering Works (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

These proposals were opened by the Committee constituted by the Board to oversee the development process of the Project in the presence of bidding companies representatives and media. The Committee is being headed by Managing Director PPIB having members from Government of AJK, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council, Ministry of Water and Power, NTDC and PPIB.

The proposals will be evaluated in the shortest possible time based on the technical and financial credentials of the applicants. The prequalified applicants will be issued Requests for Proposals (RFP) documents for preparing their bids for next stage.

This run of river project is located on Poonch River in District Kotli is likely to draw millions of dollars of investment. Further, AJK will receive millions of rupees on account of water use charges during the term of project operations. The estimated cost of the project is 170 million US dollars and will be developed on Built-own-operate-Transfer basis and will be handed over to AJK Government after thirty years.

For more information, contact:
Federal Minister for Water and Power
Ministry of Water and Power
Room No. 201-204, 2nd Floor, A Block Pak Secretariat,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone: + (92-51) 9212442, 9210533
Fax: + (92-51) 9224825