Friday, March 29, 2024

Pace of CPEC projects would be accelerated: PM Imran

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Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said the pace of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects would be accelerated as some were delayed after the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Matiari to Lahore 600KV transmission line in Islamabad, the premier stated that losses would be limited to four per cent on the line. 

The 886-kilometre long transmission line would have the capacity to carry 4,000 megawatts of electricity and 1,973 towers have been constructed for this purpose.

"It started from power generation, then road construction and now it is (power) transmission. The way forward would be industrialisation for wealth generation purposes which would lessen our debt burden," said the premier when referring to ongoing CPEC projects. 

Talking about the new transmission line, the prime minister said average line losses are at about 17 per cent, causing billions of rupees in losses. 

"Investment will be made in the transmission line projects to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the consumers whereas this 886-kilometre long state of the art transmission line will help reduce power losses."

Elaborating on the effects of the pandemic in the country, Imran said supply chains were disrupted and the price of commodities increased. "But this is temporary as we are getting vaccinated and if there are more waves, then we would be less affected."

The premier added that the current level of inflation is a "temporary" issue and would be resolved. 

Read More: Matiari to supply electricity to Lahore

He said during the ceremony that the country’s power distribution system was very old, especially in the northern areas of Pakistan, and this remains the main hindrance in providing those areas with electricity. 

Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar said the present government started construction work on this landmark project.

"The project is now ready for electricity transmission after a testing phase of six months. Other projects under CPEC will also be completed on time," the minister said and expressed the resolve to address the country’s power-related issues.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong said that the Matiari-Lahore transmission line would strengthen the safety and reliability of the grid system, optimize energy distribution of the entire country and lower electricity costs.

"CPEC up to now has brought an investment of $25.4 billion and created 75,000 job opportunities. The project has made a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Pakistan," Ambassador Rong added.


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