KARACHI, Dec 23: The Defence Housing Authority is all set to build a combined cycle power and desalination plant over the next 18 to 24 months.

Official sources told Dawn that the landmark project, which would be the first of its kind in Pakistan, would generate 94 megawatts gross electric power which would be distributed through Karachi Electric Supply Corporation network. They added that the desalination plant would provide 3mgd (million gallons daily) potable water by converting saline seawater into drinkable water. They explained that the DHA and the Clifton Cantonment Board had made arrangements to distribute the potable water at a very reasonable price.

“The project, which would not only meet the water shortage of the locality but also supply electricity to residents, has been undertaken jointly by Siemens, Sacodean Singapore and the DHA by forming a company by the name of DHA Cogen Company at an estimated cost of $80 million to $100 million,” they said.

The official sources said the soil and hydrographic survey of the site for the establishment of the plant had been completed. “The desalination plant is being built on the Arabian Sea in the Phase VIII of DHA. The civil and water works onshore and offshore the site have also initiated,” they said.

They explained that the state-of-the-art desalination plant had been completely manufactured in Germany. “The plant is ready for shipment to Karachi. The desalination plant will be erected, installed and commissioned by foreign and Pakistani engineers under the auspices and collaboration of Siemens Germany and Siemens Pakistan in a record time of less than two years,” they said.

They said the power tariff rates and electric power distribution arrangements between the DHA and the KESC had been concluded after a round of talks. They added that the details of the project had been forwarded to the ministry for final approval.

“The plant will be using natural gas as fuel. The gas allocation has been made by the Sui Southern Gas Company. In this regard, a fuel supply agreement has recently been concluded between the DHA and the SSGC,” they said.

They said the signing ceremony had recently been held at the DHA office. Michael Yap of Sacodean, and Alfons Frank and Thomas Englemann of Siemens AG signed the contract.

Javed Ashraf, Athar Ali Khan and Najam-ul-Islam Rishi of the DHA were also present on the occasion.