A
Chinese delegation headed by Senior Vice President of Three Gorges
Corporation of China, Wang Shaofeng called on President Asif Ali
Zardari here at the Aiwan-i-Sadr on Friday. Minister for Petroleum
Senator Dr. Asim Hussain, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah,
Sindh Minister for Irrigation Jam Siafullah Khan Dharejo, Syed Murad
Ali Shah and Ms. Shazia Marri were present during the meeting besides
Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar. Briefing the media,
Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that the meeting
was pursuant to an earlier meeting of the President with the Chairman
of China’s Three Gorges Project Corporation Cao Guangjing held in April
where the President had advised the Federal Government to task the
Corporation to also build a run of the river hydro project at Sukkur
Barrage and had asked the Water and Power Minister to liaise with the
stakeholders to finalize project proposal within 60 days.
During this meeting, the Spokesperson said, Shaofeng briefed the
President about site investigation and preliminary report prepared by
Three Gorges Corporation on the Sukkur Barrage for building a run of the
river hydro power project of 120 MW.
The Three Gorges Corporation of China which is pioneer in hydro power project development is already involved in a number of multi-purpose hydro and wind power projects in the country including Karot, Taunsa, Kohala and Bunji hydro electric projects.
Various wind projects are also underway as a part of finding an integrated solution to meet the growing energy needs of the country.
He said that various options for building run of the river hydro project at Sukkur Barrage, as proposed by Three Gorges Corporation, were considered during the meeting.
The President advised that the important factors such as relocation of households and existing highways be accorded top consideration in further undertaking the study and developing the plans for implementation of the project.
The President said that economical viability was also another important factor to be given due consideration.
He said that besides undertaking 120 MW power project on Sukkur Barrage, the study may also be conducted on building a number of small power stations of 20 MW to 30 MW, depending upon the capacity, on the various distributaries in that area.
The President appreciated the Three Gorges Project Corporation for undertaking the power projects and offering assistance to the country in order to find integrated energy solutions.
He reassured the Corporation that the Government would provide all possible facilitation and assistance to it during its work on building power projects in Pakistan.
Earlier, Wang Shaofeng and his delegation also offered condolence to the President over the death of his father. The President thanked them for their sympathies and for condolence. APP
