LAHORE: The divisional administration says the operation of the Rs32 billion Theme Park/Disneyland will consume approximately 2MW electricity on an average and the Punjab government will be responsible for supplying it through the Lahore Electric Supply Company that will install a special feeder.

“Besides various recreational facilities such as a state-of-the-art water aquarium, roller coasters, the park will also have a five-star hotel, business centres and banks. For this, 2MW electricity has been assessed initially to be consumed. And the government will ensure the uninterrupted supply to the park,” Commissioner Abdullah Sumbal said in a statement on Tuesday.

Know more: Lahore Disneyland-like facility to cost Rs36 billion

Later, talking to Dawn, the commissioner said though the Parks and Horticulture Authority was working on a proposal regarding the total supply of electricity in coordination with Lesco, the final figure was yet to be revealed. However, according to initial assessment the park’s operation would require at least 2MW electricity.

He said the recent international investment and business conference in Lahore bore fruit, as a Chinese firm (Golden Bean Group) expressed its interest in developing and operating a theme park exclusively on its own.

Lesco will install special feeder

The company’s senior officials visited various sites in and outside the metropolis and finally selected a piece of land measuring 320 to 350 acres situated at a spot between Lahore and Sheikhupura.

“The entire money to be incurred on the purchase of land, development and operation of the theme park will be arranged by the company, as the Punjab government will not spend even a single penny. The government will just facilitate the group in accomplishing the project,” he added.

Mr Sumbal said the decision regarding selection of site for the theme park on Lahore-Sheikhupura Road was taken by the company keeping in view the importance of the location.

“Since it is the first-ever project in Pakistan, the firm believes that the site it selected would attract a number of motorists from motorway and GT Road, residents from Shahdra, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Nankana and Faisalabad and tourists and business community travelling by air from various parts of the country to Lahore, Sialkot and Faisalabad airports.

“The people from Islamabad too can visit the park. And the River Ravi is also situated near the proposed site,” he said.

The commissioner said the company was well-experienced in developing and operating such parks in China and other countries.

The Lahore divisional and district administrations, PHA and the company representatives were busy these days on the issue of identifying and purchasing land. The cost of the project might increase by Rs2 billion in view of purchase of such a huge chunk of land, he said.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2015