KARACHI, Nov 7: Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghouri on Monday paid a visit to the under-construction Rs 225 million Port Fountain Jet Project at Oyster Rocks and reviewed the progress of work.

The minister was shown the facility while the KPT chairman and consultants from Inter-Water Treatment Company briefed the minister about the progress of work. He was informed that 75 per cent work had been completed and the remaining work would be completed by Dec 1.

The Fountain Jet will spew water up to 500 feet height and would be the world’s highest Fountain Jet.

Talking to newsmen, Babar Ghouri said the government had focussed its attention on all areas of port-related activities and would modernise Pakistani ports and bring them at par with the world’s most modern ports.

At present, he pointed out that all facilities that are being provided at other world ports have been made available at Karachi Port and Port Qasim, and these are being further improved to bring down cargo loading and unloading time to the minimum possible level.

The minister recalled that the government had reduced the port charges and is considering reducing them further.

He pointed out that development of areas around the ports and their beautification was also among the Port’s responsibilities which would be fulfilled.

To a question, Babar Khan Ghouri said that government would outsource such functions which the Ports cannot perform. He said that such decisions have brought improvement in the port efficiency.

He said that KPT’s handling functions were being outsourced like many other government organizations. However, while doing so the protection of rights of the workers would be ensured, he said.

He said that the Government will not make anyone jobless

To another question, the Ports and Shipping Minister said the Port Tower project was already in process.

He explained that the party selected for the project earlier was later found not to be of the required standard and bids for the project were again called. He said a number of parties have shown interest and the process would hopefully be finalized by the end of January.—APP