HYDERABAD, Nov 14: An amount of Rs300 million is being spent on the setting up of another SITE on the Super Highway Phase-II, which was lying unattended since 1987.

This was stated by the Sindh secretary for labour, industries, and transport, Raja Mohammad Abbas, while addressing an “Iftar-cum-dinner” party hosted by the Kotri Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) at the SITE, Kotri, on Wednesday.

He said that about 1,125 industrial units would be set up in this estate which would create job opportunities for unemployed youth.

Mr Raja said that the government of Sindh had established 17 small industrial estates in Sindh, but due to lack of infrastructure there had been no progress.

He said that the government of Sindh had allocated Rs55 million for provision of basic facilities of gas, electricity, water, etc., by the end of 2002 for the industrial sector.

He stressed upon industrialists to avail opportunities and facilities provided by the government and establish industries in the rural areas.

He said that gas facilities had been provided in the Nooriabad industrial estate after 25 years with the result that 3,000 acres had been sold there and 29 new industrial units were coming up. Besides, Sui Gas had been provided there and investors had invested Rs1 billion, which would promote industrialization in the rural areas.

Referring to the demands for provision of facility in the Kotri industrial estate, Mr Raja informed that an amount of Rs37 million was being spent on the establishment of two separate colleges for boys and girls in Kotri SITE and it was expected that both institutions would be completed within four to six months.

He said that in the meantime, the colleges could be started in other buildings for which KATI should form a committee.

He informed that the SITE had earmarked 20 acres for the establishment of a sports complex in Kotri and the Workers Welfare Board would decide for future planning.

Mr Raja said that Workers Colony had been constructed in Kotri and after scrutinizing houses would be allotted to the workers for which all liabilities would be borne by the Board and nothing would be charged from the workers.

He said that so far 5,000 houses and flats had been allotted to the workers. Besides, after approval from the governor of Sindh, about 40 doctors would be appointed in various SESSI hospitals.

The district Nazim, Dadu, Malik Asad Sikandar, in his speech assured full support of the district government for promotion of industries in the Kotri sub-division.

He said that a peaceful atmosphere and strict law and order measures would encourage more investment in the area.

He assured that nobody would be allowed to collect any “Goonda Tax” or “Jagga Tax” from the industrialists here.