ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: The work on pipeline to supply gas to the residents of Sihala will start in the fiscal 2004-5 and the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) will complete the project with its own resources.

In a written reply to a question of MNA Asif Tauseef, Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Chaudhry Nourez Shakoor told the National Assembly on Monday that some over 6,000 metres long pipeline was required for the purpose at the cost of Rs2.73 million.

Replying to another question of MNA Chaudhry Anwar Ali Cheema, the minister said the SNGPL had not so far received permission from the Pakistan Railways for crossing a railway line in supplying Sui gas to the residents of Kallar Syedan. Mr Shakoor said the SNGPL was pursuing the matter with the authorities of Pakistan Railways for permission.

He expressed the hope that the Railways would grant permission to the SNGPL by the end of next month. Subject to the permission, he said, the company planned to complete the job for the supply of gas to Kallar Syedan by March 31, 2004.

Regarding supply of gas to Darkali Shar Shahi and Meera Singal villages, the minister stated that a survey had been carried out, which indicated that distribution network of 11.4 kilometres along with allied installations at an estimated cost of Rs9.623 million (based on unit construction cost for fiscal year 2003-4) was required. He said per consumer cost worked out to be Rs24,930 which exceeded the cost criteria of Rs20,000, fixed by the government for the supply of gas to new areas and villages for the Punjab.

As such, he said, laying gas mains was not envisaged from the company’s resources. However, the SNGPL can undertake the job during subsequent fiscal years provided Rs9.623 million was provided to the company in the form of a non-refundable grant, he added.