Karachi: Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah today presided the 12th meeting of Thar Coal and Energy Board, held at Chief Minister House.
Chief Minister Sindh said that Sindh Government intends to accelerate the pace of work for Thar Coal and Energy Board so as to make successful efforts for power generation which is essential for progress and prosperity of Country particularly for Sindh province. He said that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani have stressed to pay full attention towards this important project, which will also generate large number of Job opportunities.
Meeting of the Board was attended by Mr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Federal Minister Finance, Mr. Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister Water and Power, Jam Mehtab Dahar, Provincial Minister Revenue, Jam Saifullah Dharejo, Provincial Minister Irrigation, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Provincial Finance Minister and Mr. Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, Advisor to CM Sindh on Investment.
The Board was given a presentation by Mr. Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, Convener of the Evaluation Committee regarding International Competitive Bidding for Thar Coal Blocks, which was constituted in the Board’s last meeting.
The Convener of the Committee explained the Evaluation Process and highlighted the proposals of the Companies, based on the financial strength, mining capabilities and project timelines; the Board, on the basis of recommendations of the Committee, allocated the Blocks offered for bidding to various local and international bidding companies.
The Board was also given an update on infrastructure development projects including water supply scheme of Makhi-Farash, Transmission Network, Railway Link, Effluent Disposal etc. Federal Finance Minister assured the Board that as these projects are vital infrastructure projects essentially required for development of Thar, the Federal Government will provide all possible assistance and funding.
The Board was also given presentation by M/s. Ernst and Young the international Consultant engaged by TCEB, on proposed Royalty Model for large scale coal mining.
The Board appreciated the work done by the Consultants and observed that as this issue would have long term financial impact for Sindh, more due diligence is required by Technical Experts. Accordingly a Technical Committee was constituted comprising of representatives from Federal Finance Division, Ministry of Water and Power, Sindh Finance Department, an International Expert, and MD Thar Coal and Energy Board.
For more information, contact:
Mr. Allah Bachayo Memon
Press Secretary
Chief Minister House
Tel: +9221 99202019
Cell: +92300-3524057 (Ext: 336)