alibaz
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 8: Two Chinese firms, whose representatives called on President Asif Ali Zardrai on Monday, evinced interest in the construction of three major dams, raising hope for addressing the power shortage problem in the country.
One of the firms assured that finances could be provided for Kohala, Bhasha and Bunji dams, presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said after the meeting, adding that both companies were ready to play a key role in the construction of these projects.
Nie Kai, vice-chairman of China Gezhouba Group Corporation, and Wang Shaofang, senior vice-president of China International Water and Electric Corporation, held separate meetings with the president.
The CWE that has built and is operating the world`s largest hydropower project, the Three Gorges hydropower station, evinced interest in building large dams with power houses, including Kohala, Bahsha and Bunji on BOT (build, operate and transfer) basis. All the projects are estimated to produce (a total of) 14,000MW power, the spokesman said.
He said the firm also offered to provide full financing for the projects without asking for equity from the government of Pakistan. The firm was told that the government would soon set up a sub-committee of the federal cabinet to evaluate its offer.
The water and power secretary said the government had already approved setting up of a ministerial committee that would examine all BOT proposals for building dams and hydro projects.
The president said the proposals must be examined expeditiously so that the work on hydro projects could be started without delay.
Mr Nie briefed the president about the progress made by his company on the construction of Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project and thanked the government for facilitating them in their professional pursuits.
The president said the government attached great priority to the early completion of hydropower projects, especially the Neelum-Jhelum project, not only to meet energy requirements but also to provide cheap electricity to people.
He invited the Chinese companies to consider participating in other mega projects in the country such as the Zulfikarabad city project and desilting of Tarbela dam.
Chinese firms offer to build three dams | DAWN.COM
One of the firms assured that finances could be provided for Kohala, Bhasha and Bunji dams, presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said after the meeting, adding that both companies were ready to play a key role in the construction of these projects.
Nie Kai, vice-chairman of China Gezhouba Group Corporation, and Wang Shaofang, senior vice-president of China International Water and Electric Corporation, held separate meetings with the president.
The CWE that has built and is operating the world`s largest hydropower project, the Three Gorges hydropower station, evinced interest in building large dams with power houses, including Kohala, Bahsha and Bunji on BOT (build, operate and transfer) basis. All the projects are estimated to produce (a total of) 14,000MW power, the spokesman said.
He said the firm also offered to provide full financing for the projects without asking for equity from the government of Pakistan. The firm was told that the government would soon set up a sub-committee of the federal cabinet to evaluate its offer.
The water and power secretary said the government had already approved setting up of a ministerial committee that would examine all BOT proposals for building dams and hydro projects.
The president said the proposals must be examined expeditiously so that the work on hydro projects could be started without delay.
Mr Nie briefed the president about the progress made by his company on the construction of Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project and thanked the government for facilitating them in their professional pursuits.
The president said the government attached great priority to the early completion of hydropower projects, especially the Neelum-Jhelum project, not only to meet energy requirements but also to provide cheap electricity to people.
He invited the Chinese companies to consider participating in other mega projects in the country such as the Zulfikarabad city project and desilting of Tarbela dam.
Chinese firms offer to build three dams | DAWN.COM