GILGIT, Jul 13 (APP):Chief Minister (CM), Gilgt Baltistan (GB) Advocate Amjad Hussain on Monday directed the authorities to accelerate the implementation of major power projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to ensure a permanent solution to electricity load shedding in the region. Chairing a review meeting on the progress of the 26 MW Shagarthang Hydropower Project, 20 MW Hanzal Hydropower Project, 100 MW Solar Power Project, 16 MW …
CM GB orders expedited completion of major power projects to facilitate masses
GILGIT, Jul 13 (APP):Chief Minister (CM), Gilgt Baltistan (GB) Advocate Amjad Hussain on Monday directed the authorities to accelerate the implementation of major power projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to ensure a permanent solution to electricity load shedding in the region.
Chairing a review meeting on the progress of the 26 MW Shagarthang Hydropower Project, 20 MW Hanzal Hydropower Project, 100 MW Solar Power Project, 16 MW Naltar Hydropower Project and the Regional Grid Project, the Chief Minister said timely completion of these strategic projects was essential to overcome the longstanding power crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He directed project directors and relevant officials to prepare comprehensive implementation strategies with clear timelines and said the Gilgit-Baltistan government would recommend to the federal government the timely release of funds required for the projects.
Expressing displeasure over the seizure of vehicles allocated to PSDP projects by district administrations, the Chief Minister ordered their immediate return, saying such actions were affecting project implementation.
Taking notice of operational issues caused by the shortage of technical staff after the completion of power stations, he directed the authorities to ensure the permanent deployment of trained sub-engineers at all power plants and to conduct full-load testing of every newly completed project before commissioning.
The Chief Minister said the government would encourage investment in future large-scale power projects through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements and would also introduce reforms to improve the electricity tariff and billing system.
Regarding the 26 MW Shagarthang Project, he instructed the project director to prepare a work plan keeping in view the limited working season and directed the Commissioner Baltistan and the concerned Deputy Commissioner to coordinate closely with the project management to avoid unnecessary delays. He also ordered that tunnel construction at the project site should continue during the winter season.
Taking serious notice of delays in the 20 MW Hanzal Hydropower Project, the Chief Minister said the project was of critical importance for Gilgit and that no further delay would be tolerated. He said a strategy would be finalized after consulting all stakeholders to ensure the immediate resumption of work.
Referring to the 100 MW Solar Power Project, he said Prime Minister of Pakistan had announced the project to address the electricity shortage in Gilgit-Baltistan and was taking a personal interest in its implementation. He directed the project authorities to strictly adhere to the approved timelines.
The Chief Minister also took notice of delays in the payment of land compensation for the 16 MW Naltar Hydropower Project and directed the Deputy Commissioner Gilgit to ensure payment of all outstanding compensation within one week and submit a compliance report. He ordered the completion of the project by August 31.
Expressing satisfaction over the pace of work on Phase-I of the Regional Grid Project, the Chief Minister directed the authorities to ensure the quality of all transmission towers and instructed the concerned deputy commissioners to facilitate the timely acquisition of land required for the project.
