Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf Thursday said that the government is determined to eradicate Load-shedding from the country by December this year. Addressing employees of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco), Ashraf said that Pakistan Electric Supply Company PEPCO has also signed an agreement with Iran for supply of 1100 MW electricity.
He said that initial work in this regard has started, while co-ordinated efforts are underway from both sides. For early completion of the project, efforts were being made on war footing basis, he added. He said that nation should show patience regarding power load shedding, as 1000 MW will be included to the National grid by June next.
He said that present rulers were not responsible for power crisis in the country because previous government had not generated even a single unit of power in the last 10 years.
He said that previous rulers had also admitted the blunders to ignore the proper strategy of power generation, which was ultimately the main reason of their defeat in the last general election he added.
He said that economic crisis has also geared up power crisis in the county because Water and Power Development Authority failed to make payments to various oil companies and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) dues towards it.
He appreciated efforts of Shaukat Tarin, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, for taking steps for clearance of Rs 400 billion of circular debts. Government alone cannot solve power crisis, and added that masses instead of protesting, should cooperate with the rulers, with patience.
He said that Ministry of Water and Power was working on the Thar Coal power project, which would generate 2000 MW electricity. He said government is also working vigorously on the Solar Power Project. He said initial work has been executed for Basha Dam Power Project, ensuring funds availability and after the completion of this project, excessive electricity would be available for the country.
He said Government has also chalked out a comprehensive future strategy of the power needs, and more than 15,000 MW electricity would be available during 2015 to 2030, he pointed out. The Minister appreciated the performance of the Lahore Electric Supply Company and termed it as "progressive electric company". He emphasised on the workers and officers of the company to serve the consumers with dedication and to their utter satisfaction.