Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has said that a comprehensive strategy has been framed for the utilisation of the potential of generating thousands megawatt electricity.
Talking to media and addressing the 26th meeting of the Board of Directors of SHYDO during a visit to Malakand-III Project Dargai, he said that in December this year practical work on two projects having the capacity of generating 153-megawatt electricity in Matlitan and Lawi Chitral will start. He directed completion of other hydropower generating projects in the province. He said that after terrorism, energy crisis is the largest problem faced by the country, saying the government is working on emergency basis for the arrest of the problem.
During the meeting, besides reviewing implementation of the decisions taken in 25th meeting of the Board of Directors the chief minister was given briefing regarding progress on power projects initiated by both public and private sectors and matters.
Hoti said that the country is facing severe energy crisis, which could not be resolved in nights. However, he said that for arresting the crisis in future taking practical steps are inevitable. The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has framed a comprehensive strategy; through the utilisation of the huge potential of hydropower, overcoming of the crisis and strengthening of the economy of the province will be accomplished.
Under the rights achieved by the province under 18th constitutional amendment the government has decided investment on hydropower projects in the province, which will begin in December this year. The chief minister directed the SHYDO for ensuring initiating of practical work on Matlitan and Lawi power projects in December. He said that the 153 mega projects would be completed in a period of two and half years. On this occasion, the Board of Directors agreed on the inclusion of Secretary Irrigation on the body. The chief minister also directed giving implemental shape to power projects including Matlitan and Lawi and holding of consecutive review meetings in this regard.
On this occasion Managing Director, SHYDO, Bahadar Shah told the meeting that after laying the foundation stone of 153-hydropower projects work on the 17 MW Raniwala Khawar. 2.6 MW Machai hydropower projects would start in January or February 2012. Similarly, work on 31 MW Koto (Dir), 8 MW Jabori (Mansehra) and 10 MW Karora (Shangla projects is expected in July next year.