The pace of construction work on Nandipur power project is surprising and the project which was a symbol of inefficiency, corruption and criminal negligence of the former rulers has been transformed into a glowing example of commitment and performance of the present leadership, said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif while talking to journalists after reviewing the pace of construction work on Nandipur Power Project Gujranwala on Thursday.
Project Director Captain (R) Mehmood Ahmad and Dang Fang Corporation Limited China Plant Manager Chen You Ping gave a briefing on the project. Local assembly members and officials concerned were also present on the occasion.
The chief minister said that Nandipur power project gives a message how living nations achieve the impossible through commitment and steadfastness. He said that this project is a living example of the spirit of national reconstruction of the Pakistani nation.
Shahbaz Sharif said that during his visit to China he was informed by Chinese authorities how the previous government had kept this project pending for three years and caused a huge economic loss to Pakistan while the nation also suffered load-shedding. He said that delay in the execution of the project also robbed the people of their hard earned money and an additional expenditure of 27 billion rupees is being borne by the nation on the project. He said that the machinery of the project kept lying at Karachi port due to which the material got rusted while precious equipment was also stolen. He said that purchase of 83 thousand parts is now being made again however best efforts are being made to minimise the expenses.
Expressing his pleasure on the pace of execution of the project, the chief minister said that when he came to this place three months ago it was vacant but now a number of installations of the plants have been constructed and it seems that the workers engaged in the project are working with a missionary spirit and striving to rid the people of the scourge of load-shedding as early as possible. He said that police, civil administration, Chinese and Pakistani engineers and the workers deserve all appreciation and credit for their efforts. The chief minister expressed the hope that the shortfall of electricity will considerably reduce during the tenure of Pakistan Muslim League-N government as work is being carried out on emergent basis on several energy projects. He said that first solar power plant of the country will be inaugurated next month in Bahawalpur and 100 megawatt electricity will be added to the national grid with the completion of the project. He said that it is matter of satisfaction that Chinese company has worked speedily on his request and the first turbine will start production of electricity from May 2014 whereas under the agreement the project was to be completed in November 2014. He said that the project will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
The chief minister in response to the demand of the labourers working on the project announced that a break for Jumma prayers will be given to the labourers but they should continue to work on this day and will be given double wage for Friday.
Gujranwala Press Club president and general secretary also met the chief minister and presented their demands upon which Shahbaz Sharif directed the Gujranwala commissioner to provide land for the building of the press club. He also announced a grant of one million rupees for the press club.
