Daily Times reported that government of Sindh has called on the Thar Coal & Energy Board to speed up work at the country’s biggest coal project in order to ensure adequate power generation as the country is confronting worst power crisis.

Mr Syed Qaim Ali Shah CM of Sindh while presiding over the 12th meeting of Thar Coal & Energy Board said that president Mr Asif Ali Zardari and PM Mr Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani have also issued directives to pay focused attention to this important project as it will also provide ample job opportunities.

The Board was given a presentation by Mr Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, convener of the Evaluation Committee on International Competitive Bidding for Thar coal blocks which was constituted in the Board’s last meeting. The convener of the Committee explained the evaluation process and highlighted the proposals of the companies based on their financial strength, mining capabilities and project timelines. The Board on the basis of recommendations of the committee, allocated the blocks for bidding to various local and international bidding companies.

The Board was also given an update on infrastructure development projects including water supply scheme of Makhi-Farash, Transmission Network, Railway Link and Effluent Disposal etc. Federal Finance Minister assured the Board that keeping in view the importance of these projects the federal government will provide all possible assistance and funding. The Board was also given presentation by M/s. Ernst & Young the international Consultant engaged by TCEB, on proposed Royalty Model for large scale coal mining.

The Board appreciated the work done by the consultants and observed that as this issue would have long term financial impact for Sindh more due diligence is required by technical experts. Accordingly a technical committee was constituted comprising representatives from Federal Finance Division, Ministry of Water & Power, Sindh Finance Department, an International Expert and MD of the Board.

(Sourced from www.dailytimes.com.pk)