KARACHI, Nov 24: Governor Muhammedmian Soomro asked the industrialists on Saturday to seriously consider installation of desalination plants and utilizing coal for power generation because of shortage of water and power in the metropolis.

Inaugurating an Eid Bachat Bazaar, organised by the SITE Association of Industry at SITE Stadium here on Saturday, Mr Soomro said that the government would provide all possible assistance for such projects.

He appreciated the SITE Association for initiating various projects on a self-help basis.

Mr Soomro said water shortage was the main problem in the country, which could be overcome through other options, including utilization of sea-water.

He said by linking desalination plants and power generation through coal, the cost of electricity could be reduced.

The government, he said, was laying emphasis on development of indigenous coal, that is available in huge quantity in Sindh.

He assured the industrialists that the Sindh government would solve their problems on a priority basis. He said that efforts were being made for repair of roads and other infrastructure.

The governor said the industries play an important role in the economic development of the country and the government was trying to provide every possible facility to the local industry.

The government was encouraging local industries besides attracting foreign investment, he said, adding the government’s policies were investment-friendly. He said construction was an important industry, which generates more jobs and supports other industries.

He appreciated the SITE association for holding the Eid Bachat Bazar every year and said these activities should continue throughout the year.

Such type of Bachat Bazaars provide relief to the general public to some extent and other organisations should follow the suit, he added.

Soomro said the government was also taking steps to provide relief to the poor, and five new branches of the Khushali Bank would commence their operation in Karachi from next month, adds our staff reporter.

He said more than 30 branches will start functioning by June next year all over the Sindh and people will have an option to get credits and loans for starting their business.

Chairman SITE Association of Industry, Dr Arshad Vohra pointed out a number of issues regarding presence of rangers and police in SITE stadium, water problem, infrastructure problem and power shortage.

Later, the Sindh governor went round the bazar and inspected the stalls.

Over 100 industries have set up stalls of items of daily use including cloth, garments, kitchen items, utensils, bedsheets, plastic products, stationery products etc.

The bazar would continue till Dec 3.