Islamabad: (Parliament Times) The officials of prominent Chinese power company, China Three Gorges Corporation have called on AJK President Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan at Presidential Scretariat in Kashmir House Islamabad on Wednesday.
The officials of the company briefed the president on pace of development at three hydropower generation projects in AJK, 720MW Karot, 1100MW Kohala and 590MW Mahl on Jhelum River. The president was told that both Karot and Kohala projects are part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor while efforts are being made to include 590MW Mahl project in the CPEC. While welcoming the Chinese investment in AJK, President Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan termed all hydro power generation projects in AJK as back bone of the development and prosperity of the state.
He said on completion of these projects, AJK will be able to supply around 6000MW power to national grid after meeting its own local need. He said these projects will not only help overcome the energy crisis in the country but will also help to reduce the prices of the electricity. The president assured the Chinese officials to address their problems by sorting out the issues of acquisition of land for the projects and tax related hiccups at the earliest.
The president was also told by the Chinese officials that all power generation projects would be transferred to AJK government after 30 years period and AJK will get millions of rupees in shape of taxes during the execution period. The projects will also create abundant job opportunities and people of AJK will be provided jobs on priority basis. The officials told that development work on Karot Power Project is underway with satisfactory pace and expressed their hope that project will be completed before time.
The compensation of land has been paid more than the market rate. The officials further told that all requisite arrangements have been finalized. The president expressed his satisfaction over the pace of development and expressed his optimism that all three projects will be be completed on time and will not only accelerate the economic activity in the region but will also address the energy crisis in the country.
