KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday said his government had finally got engaged an international consortium of consultants to carry out a study for the much-anticipated Keti Bandar power project, which was a dream of his slain leader and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

“Our government has taken a vital step towards realising the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to establish the Keti Bandar project. The consortium of consultants will conduct a study for laying a railway line, installation of a power plant and construction of a jetty to transport equipment and machinery at Keti Bandar,” said Mr Shah while presiding over a meeting focusing on the Keti Bandar project at CM House.

He said his government’s highly anticipated project was conceived by Benazir Bhutto, but it could not be realised because of certain political reasons.

“Now, her government in Sindh is going to make Keti Bandar mega project a reality,” CM Shah said. “We have made it a part of the projects approved for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor [CPEC].”

Briefing the chief minister, energy secretary Agha Wasif said M/s Bridge Factor Consortium had been engaged for the project study.

The firm would carry out its feasibility study, which included laying of 450 kilometres railway line from Thar coalfield to Keti Bandar, installation of a 1,320 megawatts (MW) power plant extendable up to 10,000MW at the Keti Bandar and development of a jetty for transportation of machinery and equipment for the powerhouse.

He added that strategic environmental assessment would also be an integral part of the study.

The energy secretary said the chief minister had entrusted upon his ministry to pursue development of Keti Bandar and allowed utilisation of project development fund for the study.

The study would cost Rs326.44 million, which would cover all aspects of development.

“The consultants will also prepare a business plan and assist the government up to financial close,” he said, adding, the feasibility would be completed within 10 months and the project being part of the CEPC was expected to bring Chinese financing.

Khurshed Anwar Jamali, chairman of board of directors, Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, emphasised on the need for preparing a comprehensive master plan, special economic zone and future expansion provisions in the area.

Earlier, Waseem Ahmed, chairman of planning and development board said the development of Keti Bandar was an important part of the Sindh government’s strategy for energy development.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2017