Punjab Government in 300MW MoU with Norinco International

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Punjab government and a prominent Chinese company Norinco International Corporation Limited for setting up a solar power project on Friday. Secretary Energy, Usman Bajwa and Vice President, Norinco International Zhang Shiping signed the document.

Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, Provincial Minister for Energy, Sher Ali Khan, Special Assistant, Arshad Jutt, chief secretary, chairman Nepra, chairman Planning & Development, secretary Energy, officers concerned and senior officials of Norinco International Corporation Limited were also present on the occasion. Under the agreement, Norinco International will set up a 300 megawatt solar power project in Cholistan which will be completed within 12 months. Punjab government will assist Norinco International in identifying the site for the solar power plant in Cholistan. Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz commended the co-operation of Chinese government and investors in energy sector.

He said that nothing could be more important than solution of energy crisis. He said that the nation will be rid of load shedding through speedy completion of power generation projects. Vice President Norinco International, Zhang Shiping while expressing his views said that Chinese people are deeply impressed with the speed of Shahbaz Sharif for the implementation of development projects and he is very much liked in China. He expressed the hope that power generation projects will be completed at the same speed at which metro bus project was executed.

Earlier, while addressing a meeting regarding energy crisis, the CM said that the shortage of electricity will be overcome at any cost. He said that energy crisis has made life of people miserable and all-out measures are being taken to resolve this issue. He said that if the departments concerned did not fulfil their responsibilities towards resolving energy problem, they will never be forgiven by the nation.

The CM said that solution of energy problem is the top priority of the government as it is essential for putting the economy on the right track. He said that the concerned departments should discharge their responsibilities in an efficient manner and no negligence should be shown in this regard.

He also stressed the need for removing the flaws in the power supply system and said that efforts should be made on war footing for the up-gradation of the system. He said that urgent measures are needed for this purpose. He said that concerned departments should perform their duties in a co-ordinated manner. The CM expressed his extreme displeasure over the slow pace of disposal of matters by the concerned departments and directed that no effort should be spared in removing the flaws in the system.