KARACHI, July 3: The minister for communications, Senator Ahmed Ali, on Thursday directed the Port Qasim Authority to revive its water supply scheme with the assistance of the private sector on BOT basis.

The minister who chaired a high-level meeting to discuss issues relating to water, power and its industrial area, advised the PQA high-ups to handle the water supply arrangement for problem on a two-pronged strategy.

Senator Ahmed Ali directed that expression of interest should be called under BOT basis and a suitable consortium of contractors and consultants should be involved in the water scheme.

He further asked the PQA to ensure cost-effectiveness of the project so that no further burden was put on the treasury. In order to achieve that goal, the minister said, commercial incentives should be given to involve the private sector.

The minister said that under the present investment-friendly environment in the country the involvement of the private sector would be easy and it would help complete the water project.

He also directed that in view of the enquiry committee’s report the three PQA officials responsible for the failure of the Bulk Water Supply Scheme resulting in a colossal loss of over Rs750 million to the national exchequer should be taken to task.

The minister directed that two serving officials—Irshad Ahmed Sheikh and Pir Bux Solangi— be immediately placed under suspension, and appropriate action under the rules should be taken against Abdul Hakeem Mukhdoom who had proceeded to retirement.

He further directed that all coastal organizations should be asked to arrange their own water and power requirements, for which necessary legislation would be made.

Senator Ahmed Ali said that to give relief to the city it was imperative that further studies of desalination plants were carried out with the help of KPT and DHA who had already moved on those lines.