—Work on more than 8000MW energy projects is in progress under the CPEC, says Chinese official
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the completion of 1320MW Sahiwal Coal Power Plant in a record period of 22 months is a story of continued hard work, transparency, efficiency, trust and honesty.
The Sahiwal Coal Power Project is the first mega initiative of CPEC which has been playing a wonderful role in strengthening the national economy, he said. The project, which was signed in April 2015, has been completed at a cost of Rs180 billion. It was projected to be completed by December 25, 2017, but it has reached completion 7 months earlier.
He said this while addressing the special function held in Sahiwal on Monday for the completion of the project. The CM called the occasion historic and said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, work on different CPEC projects pertaining to energy was in rapid progress, pushing Pakistan towards a prosperous future. He said that such projects have reached completion despite negative politics of the opponents; this mega CPEC project will now provide 1320MW electricity to the national grid. The 300MW solar power project in Bahawalpur is providing electricity to the national grid. Similarly, a coal power plant is being set up in Port Qasim as well.
He also acknowledged the support of China throughout the years. China has allocated 36 billion dollars for energy related projects under the CPEC and this amount is more than the foreign exchange reserves of Pakistan; the great benefaction of China will not be forgotten by the whole nation, he added. The friendship between Pakistan and China is unique and is based on love and affection which is devoid of any strings, he said. China supported Pakistan in the wars of 1965 and 1971 without any compulsion and always supported the Kashmir issue at the UN. China stands with Pakistan at different international forums, he added.
He said that the success of CPEC had threatened the enemies of Pakistan. But he warned that Pakistan is an atomic power which cannot be suppressed easily. He stated that development and prosperity are the course for Pakistan which will be pursued through hard work, trust, and honesty.
He further said that sit-ins and corruption have previously weakened the country. He said that the Sahiwal Coal Power Project is an example of conserving resources and cited Nandipur Power Project and the Neelam Jhelum Project as examples of corruption, maladministration, and nepotism in the energy sector.
The Chief Minister thanked the Chinese leadership including President, Prime Minister, Administrator of National Energy Administration Nur Bekri, NDRC, ICBC, Huaneng Group, Ruyi Group and other concerned officials for completion of the project. The Vice Chairman of NDRC and Administrator of National Energy Administration Nur Bekri, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, Chairman Huaneng Group of China Cao Peixi, Provincial Ministers, Chief Secretary and notables of the area were present in large numbers. He particularly acknowledged Mr. Nur Bekri whose visit he said was a testament to the Chinese leadership’s trust in PM Nawaz Sharif.
Earlier, CM inspected different sections of the 1,320MW Sahiwal Coal Power Project. He also inspected the process of supply of coal along with the Chinese officials. Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, China National Energy Administration Administrator, and Vice Chairman NDRC Nur Bekri and other high officials were also present on the occasion. The CM met with engineers and workers and commended their efforts.
CHINESE OFFICIALS LAUD SHEHBAZ:
Administrator for China National Energy Administration and National Development & Reform Commission Vice Chairman Nur Bekri has said that the record completion of the Sahiwal Coal Power Project is due to the tremendous cooperation and support of Punjab CM. A new history has been written in the whole world; he added and told that joint collaboration on energy projects with Pakistan including the Punjab would continue, assuring that they are always available to fulfill the energy needs of Pakistan.
He said that he is happy to be in Sahiwal, adding that new avenues of cooperation have been opened between Pakistan and China and a lot of success has been achieved in this regard. Our services are available for energy projects to our Pakistani brethren, he added. Work on more than 8000MW energy projects is in progress under the CPEC and completion of these projects would help to fulfill the energy needs of the country.
There is no doubt that Sahiwal Coal Power Project depicts the passion of the CM as this project will play an important role in overcoming energy crisis. He said that unprecedented work was done under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, due to his deep and personal interest in the project, bringing it to completion several months before the deadline. He said that they would continue to jointly work with the government of Pakistan to move further on energy projects and many more achievements would be gained. He said that the completion of these projects would help to improve the quality of life of the Pakistani people.
Chairman Huaneng Group of China Cao Peixi said that completion of Sahiwal Coal Power Project in a period of 22 months is a golden achievement. He credited Shehbaz Sharif and his whole team for completed the project with continued hard work, passion and commitment. He said that Pakistan and China have been working jointly in different sectors including energy sector and the transparent and speedy completion of Sahiwal Coal Power Project is a symbol of friendship between both the countries.
He said that steps of international standards have been taken for the protection of the environment in Sahiwal Coal Power Project and the latest technology has been utilised in this plant. He added that this project is a symbol of growing cooperation between Pakistan and China. He said that all the decisions taken by Punjab CM are meant for the welfare and prosperity of the people. Huaneng Group would continue to extend cooperation to Pakistan and Punjab in the future as well.
Chief Executive Officer of Sahiwal Coal Power Project Song Taiji also said that the completion of Sahiwal Coal Power Project in a record period was a major milestone for which Shehbaz Sharif has worked painstakingly.