ECNEC okays Advanced Metering Infrastructure for IESCO and LESCO; land acquisition and road construction for new Islamabad airport, Sindh roads improvement project
Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Saturday which considered and approved various projects in the energy and communication sectors.
After detailed deliberations, ECNEC accorded approval in principle for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Projects for IESCO and LESCO.
While presenting the details of the projects, Water and Power secretary said that these projects would enhance load control and load management in the two DISCOs. AMI project is designed as a least cost solution to reduce losses and to efficiently balance power supply. Once the system is in place it would considerably reduce load shedding, as it would enable alternative ways of managing peak load. AMI system would have smart meters, in-house display units and shall provide Headend System (HES) software for effective liaison between meter and the management information system.
Both projects also include establishment of New Customer Information and Billing Systems. IESCO’s project will cost Rs18,607 million while for LESCO the cost will be Rs 30,597 million.
The ECNEC accorded approval for land acquisition and construction of road network projects for New Islamabad International Airport. While the land acquisition and other related tasks will cost a total of Rs 5,455.00 million, the construction of road networks to be undertaken in four phases will cost Rs 11,295 million.
After detailed discussion, ECNEC also approved Sindh Roads Improvement project at a cost of Rs 22,750 million. The project envisages reconditioning/reconstruction, improvement, widening and strengthening of varying lengths of 329 km of existing roads in Kashmore, Kandhkot, Larkana, Sanghar, Tando Adam, Mirpur Khas, Tando Mohammad Khan and Badin areas. These roads have been damaged by floods and heavy rain fall and need urgent repairs.
ECNEC considered and approved construction of Abdul Hakeem – Lahore section of the Karachi-Lahore Motorway (230 km length). The project will cost Rs 150,665.025 million and would cover cities/towns of Abdul Hakeem, Pir Mahal, Samundri, Gojra, Tandilianwala, Jaranwala, Bucheki, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura and Lahore. The project is aimed at construction of 230 km long six-lane access controlled section of Karachi-Lahore motorway from Abdul Hakeem to Lahore including necessary road side facilities.
The Committee also approved a proposal of Ministry of Water and Power related to land acquisition for Dasu Hydropower Project. The project is being implemented with financial support of the World Bank.
