Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has informed members of business community that Sindh government has taken up the matter of power tariff with federal government to get it reduced and bring it at par with Wapda tariff.
Addressing members of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (Kati) on the occasion of annual function of the Association, he admitted that the cost of doing business in Sindh is comparatively higher than other parts of the country.
The Governor said, "It is unfair that due to extra power cost, the products of the industrialists of Sindh become uncompetitive."
He said that this problem has also been brought to the attention of President Pervez Musharraf.
He assured the industrialists that the problem of higher power tariff and non-availability of gas for power generation to industrialists of Sindh would soon be resolved.
Ibad said that solution to all economic ills lies in rapid industrialisation and especially promotion of SMEs, which can play a pivotal role in providing employment to thousands of people and reducing poverty.
He said that the work is being done on setting up of effluent treatment plant and solid waste management schemes. He admitted that street crimes have increased. However, he was hopeful that with sincere and team efforts, the government would get over street crimes.
He said there is problem of water shortage in the whole of Sindh. However, with the implementation of the water scheme, 100-MGD will be made available by the end of next year. The leadership at federal level is proactive and wants to deliver the goods, he added.
He said that due to improved law and order situation, concrete investment proposals in all sectors of economy are being received. Patron-in-Chief S.M. Muneer paid tributes to Governor Sindh for taking personal interest for improving law & order situation in the province and also for paying surprise visits to check the progress of mega projects.
He emphasised that KESC should be privatised as soon as possible for it is a white elephant.
He stressed the need for providing gas for power generation on recommendation of each industrial association of Karachi and the condition of getting permission from EPB should be done away with.
He requested for paying attention to improve the traffic congestion and for punishing the violators of traffic signals.
Earlier, Zahid Hussain in his address said that Industrial Area Development Boards of the four industrial estates of Karachi should start work of infrastructure upgradation of these areas as soon as possible. By upgrading infrastructure of industrial areas, industrial activities will increase which will consequently increase employment opportunities and revenue of the government.
He said, an important factor responsible for the progress of developed countries is promotion of SMEs. Necessary facilities and incentives should be provided by the government for the promotion of SMEs particularly in Sindh and other areas of country in general.
He lauded the efforts of Sindh Minister of Industries Muhammad Adil Siddiqui for establishing an special zone for promotion of SMEs along Super Highway.
He added that power tariff is very high in Karachi in particular which increases the cost of production. In addition, all industrialists are not allowed to go for self power generation as there is condition of making at least 80 percent exports for getting a gas connection for power generation.
He said that all industries should be allowed self power generation to keep their industries running.
Zahid demanded of the government to privatise KESC at the earliest so that it could save Rs1 billion monthly subsidy, and added that taxes are to the tune of 60 percent of the total turnover of the industrialists which should be brought down to 30-35 percent.